Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick Found in Michigan for the First Time
The Asian longhorned tick, a tiny yet dangerous invasive species, has been detected in Michigan for the first time. On June 13, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed the discovery of two tick nymphs at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County.
The specimens were sent for analysis, and the identification was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories on June 11.
Weighing in at just around 1 mm in width, the Asian longhorned tick is a significant concern for both animal and public health. Though it poses a risk to all mammals and birds, it is particularly alarming for the agricultural community due to its potential impact on livestock.
Threats to Livestock and Animals
Livestock and pet owners in Michigan are urged to consult their veterinarians for tick treatments, regularly check for ticks on animals, and maintain mowed lawns and pastures to reduce the risk of tick encounters.
Native to East Asia, the Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the U.S. in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states, including neighboring Indiana and Ohio. This tick species is commonly called the bush tick or cattle tick and is light brown in color, which can make it difficult to differentiate from other tick species.
Asian longhorned ticks are notorious for forming large infestations on a single animal, affecting wildlife and domestic livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, and pets like dogs and cats. The species has also been found on humans.
While it is not known to carry Lyme disease, the Asian longhorned tick is capable of spreading other serious diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus. Additionally, this tick is linked to severe blood loss in livestock and can cause fatal illnesses like bovine theileriosis, a disease that affects cattle.
Academic Collaboration and Ongoing Surveillance
The discovery of this invasive species highlights the importance of academic partnerships in protecting Michigan's agricultural industry. William Miller, assistant professor of biology at Calvin University, emphasized the university’s ongoing research on tick ecology in West Michigan since 2020. His team continues to monitor the region to assess the distribution and potential risks posed by this invasive tick species to livestock.
Invasive species like the Asian longhorned tick not only threaten the health of livestock and pets but also disrupt native ecosystems by preying on and out-competing native species. Their spread poses a significant threat to both biodiversity and farmland operations.
