By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Asian longhorned ticks (ALHT) are a growing concern for livestock producers in Kentucky and across the region. This invasive tick species was first confirmed in the United States within the past decade and has since been found in multiple Kentucky counties. Unlike many familiar tick species, ALHT can reproduce without mating. A single female can produce more than 1,000 offspring, allowing tick populations to build quickly on pastures, wildlife and livestock.
For cattle producers, the risk is twofold. Heavy infestations can cause significant blood loss, stress and poor performance in livestock. In severe cases, animals may become weak or anemic simply because so many ticks are feeding on them. These ticks are also a concern because they can transmit bovine theileriosis. This disease damages red blood cells and can lead to anemia, jaundice, weakness, abortions, decreased performance and, in some cases, death. Cattle that survive infection may become long-term carriers and can relapse during periods of stress.
ALHTs are very small, reddish-brown ticks with no distinct markings, making them difficult to identify without laboratory confirmation. Producers should routinely check cattle around the tailhead, udder, inside the legs, brisket, ears and face, especially during the warmer months. Livestock that appear lethargic, unthrifty or weak should be examined closely for ticks and evaluated by a veterinarian if disease is suspected.
Because there is no vaccine for theileriosis and no consistently effective treatment once cattle are infected, prevention and early awareness are important. Tick management may include regular herd checks, careful inspection and treatment of new animals before introducing them to the herd, mowing overgrown pasture areas, limiting cattle access to wooded edges where ticks may be more common and using appropriate tick-control products according to the label. Producers should work with their veterinarian and local Extension personnel to determine the best approach for their farm.
To help cattle owners better understand this emerging livestock issue, University of Kentucky Extension veterinary and entomology specialists will host a webinar on Asian longhorned ticks Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Central. The program will include information on what the tick is, how it may affect cattle herds, how to submit samples for identification, what producers need to know about theileriosis and what steps farmers can take to reduce risk on their farms.
Cattle owners who have questions about Asian longhorned ticks, need help identifying ticks or want information about participating in the October 1 webinar should contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Office.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
• The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Wednesdays (through September) & Saturdays from 8:00 AM until sell out. The Grayson Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturdays at 9:00 AM until sell out throughout September and is located in the shed behind the Extension Office. The Grayson market accepts SNAP EBT now.
• Hike & Learn – September 28th @ 1:00 – Grayson Lake State Park Lick Falls Trail
• Northeast Area Livestock Association – September 29th @ 6:00 PM; Topic – The Basics of Beef Carcass Grading; Speaker – Jeff Oldfield
