New Tick Species Capable of Transmitting Deadly Disease Spreading in US

March 20th, 2019

Ticks have always been a problem in the United States, but there is a new tick species that has made it into the country that could potentially be very dangerous. There have not been new tick species introduced to the United States in about 80 years. The ticks that are already in the country are capable of carrying several diseases, some of them fatal. This new tick species could potentially be even more dangerous.

Where It Came From

The new tick species, called Haemaphysalis longicornis or the Asian Longhorned Tick, has been in China and other Asian countries for centuries. It has more recently spread throughout Europe, with cases of the ticks being found in Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. With globalization and more people traveling and bringing animals from foreign countries, this tick has made its way into the United States.

What They Do

These new ticks have been deadly in other countries. The ticks carry a disease that kills up to 30 percent of its victims. So far in the United States, no one has fallen ill after a tick bite from this species. However, the Center for Disease Control is worried about the disease making its way into the country. In addition, there is concern that these ticks could adapt to carry the Heartland virus, a deadly disease that midwestern ticks carry.

Another concern about this new tick species is that it can reproduce extremely quickly. These ticks can produce up to 2,000 eggs at a time without mating. This means that these ticks multiply very quickly. If they do start transmitting disease, they could be extremely dangerous and prevalent.

What to Do

It is very difficult to determine the difference between different tick species. If you have ticks in your yard or on your property, it is a good idea to call in a professional. No tick is completely harmless. It is important to protect your family, pets, and visitors from tick bites. Contact us today to have your property treated for ticks, reduce the population, and decrease your risk of disease.