Longhorned tick has been found in northern Missouri. Here's why it matters.
An arachnid has found its way to northern Missouri, which is bad news since it causes millions of dollars in losses to cattle producers around the world.
The Longhorned tick was originally found in eastern Russia and the Australasian region, according to the University of Missouri Extension. The tick made its way to the United States in 2017 when it was first found in New Jersey.
"It has since reached the Mid-Atlantic, New England and Midwestern regions of the U.S., and now has been discovered in northern Missouri for the first time by researchers at the University of Missouri," according to a news release from the extension office.
In 2021, the Longhorned tick was found in south Missouri, and the latest discovery may mean financial strain for cattle ranchers. A Longhorned tick infestation could make cattle lose significant weight, which is like a widespread disease called anaplasmosis.
"(So) far, the threat from this species of tick to cattle — and people and their pets — in Missouri remains low," according to the extension office. "However, researchers emphasize that the discovery of the Longhorned tick in the state increases the need for more vigilance towards ticks in general."
Why invasive Longhorned ticks can pose a problem
Most ticks reproduce traditionally, but female Longhorned ticks can lay eggs in the thousands without a male, which means they can establish easily in new areas.
"Infestation of the Longhorned tick can lead to possible transmission of bovine theileriosis, a disease that kills red blood cells in cattle," according to the extension office.
With no confirmed cases of bovine theileriosis in Missouri cattle, ranchers need to make informed decisions with quarantining when introducing new cattle into herds.
“Studying the prevalence of invasive ticks in different geographical regions can help veterinarians and farmers take proactive, preventative steps that may ultimately protect the health of livestock, which has huge economic implications,” said Rosalie Ierardi, an anatomic pathologist at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine who recently discovered two Longhorned ticks in Linn County while conducting anaplasmosis surveillance research.
Ierardi has been working with MU College of Veterinary Medicine and MU School of Health Professions Ram Raghavan, who predicted the potential geographic distribution of the Longhorned tick in 2019. Raghavan said there appears to be an increase in the abundance of all ticks over the past 10 years in the Midwest as well as pathogens and diseases they can transmit.
"Warmer temperatures in the Midwest seem to be creating perfect conditions for ticks and the pathogens they carry to thrive, and this problem may get worse going forward as the planet continues to warm, which is concerning,” Raghavan said. “We must be vigilant and devote resources toward trying to prevent these ticks from spreading diseases that harm the health of cattle, humans and their pets. The discovery of Longhorned ticks in northern Missouri greatly increases the need for more vigilance towards ticks in general and the need for routine monitoring of the pathogens they transmit.”
Signs to watch for in cattle, livestock
Ierardi encouraged cattle ranchers who notice weakness, jaundice and pregnancy loss in their cattle to contact their local veterinarian and the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
“Symptoms of this disease can be often mistaken for anaplasmosis, so we encourage producers and practitioners to be vigilant and get their animals tested whenever there is a doubt,” Ierardi said. "Although these Longhorned ticks are known to transmit a number of human disease pathogens, at the moment the threat from them appears to be mostly bovine theileriosis, which impacts cattle.”
What to know about Longhorned ticks
The USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service has a breakdown of what to know about the Longhorned tick, including:
The longhorned tick can be found anywhere in the environment, but may prefer tall grasses and wooded areas. They like to hitch a ride on people, pets, livestock, and wild birds. These ticks attach to and feed on a great variety of domestic animals and wildlife hosts.
Asian longhorned ticks are also called bush ticks, cattle ticks, or scrub ticks. They are native to eastern Asia, but were introduced into Australia, New Zealand, and western Pacific Islands.
Asian longhorned ticks are light brown in color and are very small, often smaller than a sesame seed. They are difficult to detect, given their small size and quick movement. In fact, the adult female is only about the size of a pea when it is full of blood.
Keeping grass and weeds trimmed and clearing away brush on feedlots and pastures are important tick prevention practices.
Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: The Longhorned tick was found in Missouri. Here's what to know
