Asian longhorned tick found in Illinois for the first time

Simmy Wood
·2 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A new invasive species has been located in Illinois: the Asian longhorned tick.

Since the species was first discovered in the U.S. in 2017, it has been found in 19 states. As of April 12, Illinois has become the 20th.

A routine active tick surveillance from the Illinois Department of Public Health resulted in an Asian longhorned tick being found in Morgan County. Two more were found in the area on April 24, and entomologists from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory later confirmed the identifications.

Outdoors expert shares how to avoid ticks in Central Illinois

Asian longhorned ticks, also known as Haemaphysalis longicornis, are light brown and usually smaller than a sesame seed. Females can reproduce without a mate and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said it is unknown whether these ticks can carry disease to humans, though they can transmit diseases that impact cattle.

“In some cases of severe H. longicornis infestation, livestock death has been reported,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) State Veterinarian. “Farmers and producers should continue working with their veterinarian to maintain an appropriate management plan.”

The IDOA, IDPH, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are still monitoring the situation.

Iroquois County Public Health starts dead bird collection

In the meantime, the IDOA provided these tips to help people avoid ticks:

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Always follow product instructions.

  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

  • Check your body and clothing for ticks upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Place tick-infested clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.

  • Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check.

  • Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area and prevention products for your pets and livestock.

If an Asian longhorned tick is found, place it in a jar with isopropyl alcohol then call the Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.