Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick Found in Maine for First Time

Uh oh, another tick update! I know guys, we have heard it all before but this one is new, pinky swear. Officials have now confirmed the first known discovery of the invasive Asian longhorned tick in the state of Maine, according to WGME.

It was found in Cumberland County and it’s a little bugger. They uncovered it through the the UMaine Extension Tick Lab it’s a tick surveillance program and thank goodness they did.  

Griffin Dill is the director of the tick lab and he says,  

“This discovery underscores the critical importance of continued tick surveillance in Maine”  

This case seems to be isolated but state and federal partners are watching it closely.  

First Asian Longhorned Tick Found in Maine, Officials Urge Caution

Why? Because these ticks can transmit Theileria orientalis, a pathogen that severely affects cattle.

As per the article, the tick was first found in the United States in New Jersey back in 2017 and has now spread to more than 20 states. Like I said earlier, it’s a little bugger.  

And it’s unique within the tick family because the females can reproduce without mating. Wait, what? They apparently create infestations from a single tick and they feed on livestock, wildlife, pets, and yes, us humans.

The specimen found in Maine was a young one, a juvenile and thankfully cannot reproduce.  

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are letting us know that we should always be cautious and prepared and use tick preventative on pets and livestock.

Read More: Tick Population Explodes: How Mainers Should Protect Themselves

Oh, and of course, protect yourself as well.  

If you think you’ve discovered a unique tick, report it! That’s what Dr. Rachael Fiske is telling us. She’s an assistant state veterinarian and want us all to protect ourselves and our animals.