An Asian longhorned tick climbs a blade of grass. This invasive species reproduces asexually and can cause disease in cattle.
Now is the time to be on the lookout for the Asian longhorned tick.
The arrival of springtime begins a busy season around the farm, but it also marks the beginning of the tick season. In Pennsylvania, tickborne disease is a well-known problem in people and pets, but tick-related concerns in cattle are growing thanks to the invasive Asian longhorned tick.
Extension veterinarian Hayley Springer explains the tick was first recognized in the United States in 2017. Since that time, it has been identified in at least 18 states, including Pennsylvania and all neighboring states.
This tick is unique because it is parthenogenic, meaning it does not need a male to reproduce. A single parthenogenic female transported to a new location can start a new population that can grow rapidly because all ticks born are female and can produce eggs.
These rapid population explosions can be detrimental to cattle. In Australia and New Zealand, where invasive Asian longhorned tick populations have been present for many years, severe infestations have been reported to cause milk production losses and even death from blood loss.
The risk to cattle goes beyond the tick’s direct effects. This tick can also vector the blood parasite Theileria orientalis genotype Ikeda, which can cause disease in cattle.
The first U.S. case report of Theileria-associated bovine anemia occurred in 2017 in Virginia. This disease is characterized by weak, lethargic cattle, often with a fever.
There are no vaccines available to prevent TABA and no treatments, aside from supportive care, once cattle do get ill.
Although few cases of TABA have been reported in Pennsylvania, producers should start taking steps now to protect their herd from the Asian longhorned tick.
Tick exposure occurs when cattle are outdoors, so those housed in confinement are at minimal risk from the tick and TABA.
For cattle that do spend time on pasture, it is important to understand whether the tick is present in the area or not.
As of April, the tick has been identified in southeastern and southwestern Pennsylvania, as well as Centre County, but it may be more widespread.
Increased monitoring for the tick can help better understand its true range and where cattle may be at risk. Any time pastured cattle are handled is an opportunity to check for ticks.
Ticks prefer thin-skinned areas and can often be found on the ears, under the jaw or under the front legs.
If ticks are found on pastured cattle, they can be removed and submitted to the Penn State Extension Insect Identification Laboratory for identification.
When the Asian longhorned tick or any ticks are identified on cattle, additional steps to protect cattle from tick bites can be taken.
Ticks prefer tall grasses and brushy areas where they quest, or sit and wait for prospective hosts like cattle to pass by.
Fencing cattle out of brushy areas and keeping pastures mowed can reduce exposure to questing ticks.
A good fly control program can also help reduce tick bites. Although no fly controls for cattle are labeled for the Asian longhorned tick, many of these products will likely help prevent tick bites.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: new-jersey-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Poultry