Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, Forsyth County Extension
There’s a new tick in town – well, almost. The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was identified in New Jersey in 2017 and has been moving down the eastern seaboard, reaching South Carolina and eastern Tennessee last fall. It’s just a matter of time before it gets to Georgia.
This parthenogenic tick species can cluster thickly enough on livestock to cause anemia or death from blood loss. Fortunately, standard tick prevention medications should be effective against Asian longhorned ticks.
The Northeast Center for Vector-Borne Diseases has several excellent resources for livestock and pet owners, including this video on checking cattle for ticks.
Please bring suspect tics in a jar to the Extension office for identification and tracking.