Source: Drovers
The Asian longhorned tick (ALT), recognized by the USDA as a significant threat to livestock, has spread across 19 U.S. states. Originating from East Asia, these ticks have a severe impact on beef and dairy cattle by feeding in large numbers, which can hinder animal growth, performance, and milk production. They also transmit Theileria orientalis, a parasite detrimental to cattle. In extreme cases, such heavy infestations have led to cattle deaths due to significant blood loss, as observed in Ohio where thousands of ticks can overwhelm a single animal.
The problem of controlling ALT is compounded by the ticks’ ability to reproduce asexually, with females potentially laying up to 2,000 eggs each. Traditional methods like pesticides have proven ineffective in long-term management, suggesting that an integrated approach and early seasonal targeting are necessary to control this invasive and prolific tick species.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.drovers.com/news/education/asian-longhorned-tick-now-found-19-states?mkt_tok=ODQzLVlHQi03OTMAAAGS9vJ7_sN6pouEc7V9kIuQSw7qiQMojqoo7EsqCEyJNHTEWNPGA0pcU8dYw68QjeW-k2BvgnIz2KKQrPYOXFNg1a69sHhXc5jTe6LdkqYuLXuN3iAIL2w