CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - A potentially deadly breed of ticks is spreading across portions of the eastern United States.
The Asian long-horned tick has been found in seven states and are known to rapidly multiply, according to the New York Times.
"For the first time in 50 years, a new #tick species has arrived in the United States — one that in its Asian home range carries fearsome diseases. ... At the moment, public health experts say they are concerned, but not alarmed." https://t.co/PPE4thZ7Nv
— APIC (@APIC) August 7, 2018
The species was originally discovered in New Jersey in Nov. 2017 and has since spread to six other states:
- New York, including New York City's populated suburbs
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Arkansas
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The virus carried by the Asian long-horned tick kills approximately 15 percent of its livestock victims and has been known to transmit deadly diseases to humans, according to the Smithsonian Magazine.
A blood-fed long-horned tick can balloon to the size of a large raisin.
An adult female Asian long-horned tick can produce up to 2,000 eggs over a two- to three-week period, according to Penn State University.
Preventing an invasion of Asian long-haired ticks is similar to reducing infestations of other tick species:
- Examine limbs and animals for tick bites regularly after being outside.
- Maintain low grass, control weeds, and remove wood debris, which can be used as tick habitats.
- Use approved bio-pesticides and pest-control treatments.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing when outside.
It is not known at this time how the Asian long-horned ticks reached the United Sates.
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