Exotic Tick Found In Ohio, Deadly To Livestock

COLUMBUS, OH — An exotic tick, the Asian longhorned tick, was found in Ohio over the weekend, the state department of agriculture announced.

The ticks can carry pathogens that can spread diseases to both humans and livestock. The female ticks can reproduce without mating, the department said, so it takes only one tick to spread a new population.

"The pest is especially fatal to livestock, so producers should practice preventative measures and be on the lookout for this new threat," Ohio Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Tony Forshey said.

Farmers are being asked to contact either the department or their veterinarian if they notice unusual tick populations near their property or on their livestock. The department can be contacted at 614-728-6220.

The Asian longhorned tick was found in Ohio on a stray dog in Gallia County. The animal was taken to a shelter in Canal Winchester. The tick was identified by The Ohio State University and then sent to a federal lab for confirmation.

Preventative measures can be taken to halt the tick's spread onto Ohio farms, those measures include: trimming grass and weeds and clearing away brush on feedlots and pastures.