Asian longhorned tick found in Sooner State

From staff reports The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has confirmed the first Asian longhorned tick found in Mayes County.

Oklahoma is the 20th state to confirm the tick’s presence since it was discovered in 2017 in New Jersey. Mayes County lies east of Tulsa in northwestern Oklahoma.

Asian longhorned ticks (haemaphysalis longicornis) are parasites that can carry human and animal diseases. In large numbers, they may cause severe anemia to its host animal.

ODAFF is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine how the ticks traveled to Oklahoma and determine if they are present on other premises. Livestock owners are encouraged to closely monitor their animals.