FRANKLIN COUNTY (KSNT) – Kansas health officials have confirmed the presence of an invasive tick in the northeast part of the state which has the ability to replicate itself and spread a harmful blood parasite.
Jill Bronaugh with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said in a press release on Oct. 9 that officials have confirmed the first known occurrence of the Asian longhorned tick in the Sunflower State. KDHE staff identified the tick after it was discovered on a dog in Franklin County earlier in the month.
Asian longhorned tick. (Photo Courtesy/CDC)
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Bronaugh said these ticks are invasive and were first found in the U.S. in 2017. The ticks have spread west since the initial discovery and are now found in 21 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“We have been monitoring the spread of the Asian longhorned tick, especially since it was confirmed in neighboring states,” said Animal Health Commissioner Dr. Justin Smith. “Now that it has been identified in Kansas, we have been in contact with accredited veterinarians across the state to remind them to be alert for this tick and to ensure they understand the risks.”
Asian longhorned ticks have the ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning that females do not need to mate with a male to create young. This allows the ticks to reproduce quickly and cover new areas.
The USDA also reports these ticks can spread a dangerous blood parasite that poses a big danger to cattle. The red blood cell parasite causes bovine theileria among cattle herds which can cause lethargy and breathing problems along with death.
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