Asian Longhorned Tick Spreads to Michigan, Oklahoma

The invasive Asian longhorned tick, native to East Asia, has been confirmed for the first time in both Michigan and Oklahoma, highlighting its rapid spread across the U.S. This tick threatens livestock due to its ability to form large infestations and transmit diseases, including Theileria orientalis in cattle, though not all areas have reported disease transmission. Female ticks reproduce without mating, enabling explosive population growth. Health and agricultural officials are urging livestock and pet owners to perform regular tick checks, use veterinarian-recommended prevention, and maintain pasture hygiene. Surveillance and research are intensifying to monitor the tick's distribution and associated risks. Additionally, public health warnings are being issued for other tick-borne illnesses, such as babesiosis, which is increasingly acquired locally in states like Virginia.