Researchers Discover Longhorned Tick in Northern Missouri, Urging Farmers' Vigilance for Infestation

The invasive longhorned tick is known to cause millions of agricultural revenue losses, affecting cattle producers worldwide. In 2017, the study said researchers first detected a longhorned tick in New Jersey.

The longhorned tick is originally in Russia and the Australasian region, reaching Midwestern parts of the United States, Mid-Atlantic, and New New England.

According to the study published in ScienceDaily, researchers from the University of Missouri discovered the longhorned tick existence in northern Missouri. Cattle could suffer from bovine theileriosis, killing the animals' red blood cells.

Longhorned ticks can threaten livestock, with an economic impact on the producer, supplier, and consumers.

While conducting anaplasmosis surveillance research, Rosalie Ierardi found two Longhorned ticks in Linn County, Missouri. Ierardi is an anatomic pathologist at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Ierard said the importance of studying invasive ticks appearing in different geographical regions. It could help farmers and experts to immediately conduct preventive steps in protecting the livestock on the farm, noting the huge economic implications it could cause.

Longhorned ticks

The study explained that the Longhorned tick could greatly affect the farmers. The infestation can result in the weight loss of cattle. However, there are no confirmed cases of bovine theileriosis in Missouri cattle, and the species threat has remained low.

Although the threat of the Longhorned tick is low in Missouri, the researchers urged the farmers to be vigilant for potential infestation. As a result, cattle producers have been on alert to protect the health of their livestock and implement quarantine protocols.

Based on the CDC Disease Control and Prevention's website, Longhorned ticks were found (as of September 27, 2021) in many parts of the United States, including Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas, Connecticut, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware, and Georgia.

Moreover, researchers explained that the Longhorned tick could easily spread and infest areas because of the nature of female long-horned ticks capable of laying eggs without a male's assistance.

Vigilance

On the other hand, Ram Raghavan, who tracks the spread of different species of ticks in the United States, explained that the warmer conditions in Midwest could provide a perfect place for ticks and pathogens to thrive.

Raghavan added a concerning prediction that the problem could worsen because the planet continues to warm. Raghavan is a professor, at MU College of Veterinary Medicine and MU School of Health Profession

Furthermore, the professor said the discovery of Longhorned ticks in Norther Missouri shows a need for vigilance and routine monitoring to prevent the spread of ticks and diseases, which could potentially harm animals, humans, and pets.

The researchers noted some of the symptoms that cattle can experience.

• Losing weight
• Weakness
• Jaundice
• Pregnancy loss.

Researchers advised farmers to consult and inform the nearest local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory for assistance.

Ultimately, the Disease Control Center said that farmers should inform the local health department if they find the presence of Longhorned ticks.

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