Asian tick species found in Alabama for the first time

A new tick species has arrived in Alabama.

According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, an Asian longhorned tick was found on a dog in DeKalb County last month. The tick, which is native to eastern Asia, has now been reported in 24 states across the eastern U.S.

Keep reading to learn more about the tick and see what you can do to protect yourself + your animals.

Asian longhorned tick

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is native to eastern Asia but was first confirmed in the United States by the USDA in 2017.

The tick alternates between hosts and the environment, feeding on humans, domestic animals and wildlife. It has been known to transmit:

• Theileria orientalis (a significant livestock pathogen)
• Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
• Heartland virus

Asian longhorned ticks are light brown and extremely small—often smaller than a sesame seed—making them hard to detect.

Males are rare but females can reproduce without mating, laying 1,000‒2,000 eggs at a time, so a single tick can establish a new population. Heavy infestations can place severe stress on animals, reducing growth and production and in extreme cases causing death from blood loss.

“For both livestock and pet owners, the tools are the same, but you have to use them more aggressively and consistently. Just like for other ticks, pour-on products, sprays, ear tags and dips can be used. It is best to use these treatments in combination with habitat control and pest monitoring.”

Dr. Soren Rodning, an Alabama Extension veterinarian at Auburn University

Treatment and Control

The CDC says farmers should regularly inspect livestock for ticks, especially on the head and neck, as well as the flanks, back, armpits, groin, and under the tail.

Larvae, nymphs and adults may be present on the same animal. Animals showing low weight gain, lethargy, anemia, patchy hair coat or poor condition should be checked closely. Even a few ticks can transmit disease.

Preventive measures include:

• Keeping grass and weeds trimmed
• Clearing brush
• Using acaricides

Unusual or heavy infestations should be reported to your veterinarian, local extension agent, diagnostic lab for species identification and to the State Veterinarianʼs Office