A new invasive tick has been found for the first time in Michigan, in Berrien County.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the Asian longhorned tick, which originates in Asia, has been collected by researchers from Calvin University at Grand Mere State Park. Calvin University Assistant Professor of Biology William Miller tells us they confirmed the two specimens on Wednesday.
“I think one of the most interesting thing about this find is that both of these ticks were collected during active surveillance, meaning that we had research students that were out at the park and collecting ticks via what we call drag sampling,” Miller said. “They’re actually pulling a white sheet along trails and using that to collect ticks.”
Miller said that’s interesting because when the Asian longhorned tick is found, it’s usually found on an animal. In fact, it’s a threat to livestock more than anything else.
“Longhorned ticks, first because of how invasive they are, can actually develop really large densities and can lead to quite large infestations on animals, with hundreds or thousands of ticks feeding on a single animal at a given time.”
Miller says the state is now working to inform livestock owners of the new arrival. Berrien County Health Department Environmental Health Supervisor Brian Murphy tells us humans have less to worry about.
“Good news is there hasn’t been any confirmed cases with Lyme disease from this tick, and even in animals, in your pets, there hasn’t been a confirmed case,” Murphy said. “So that is the good thing.”
Murphy said everyone should just continue taking the same precautions against ticks they’re always advised to take. That is, wear long pants and sleeves when out hiking, use bug spray containing DEET, and check yourself for ticks after time outdoors. Also be sure to check your pets.
Miller tells us the Asian longhorned tick can lay 1,000 to 2,000 eggs at a time and reproduce a-sexually, meaning this one spreads fast. He said Calvin University is now expanding its monitoring area. He and Murphy tell everyone not to be afraid and just take normal precautions.
