Researcher Identifies 2 Exotic Tick Species On Block Island

NEW SHOREHAM, RI — Two exotic species of ticks were found on Block Island for the first time, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced. The two species were found by a researcher on the island.

Dr. Danielle Tufts was an associate research scientists at Columbia University, part of a research program that has been on Block Island since 2010. Tests confirmed the ticks to be Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis punctata, which were not previously documented in the state.

The two species, which are Asian and Eurasian, were at first thought to be ticks native to Rhode Island. Looking through previous archive samples from the past decade, Tufts determined that both have been found on Block Island for several years.

H. Longicornis, commonly known as the Asian longhorn tick, was first identified in the U.S. in 2017, in New Jersey, but are believed to have been in the state as early as 2010. In Australia and New Zealand, the species is invasive and can be a serious threat to livestock. The ticks feed on warm-blooded animals, killing it if too many are attached. They can also attach to dogs and hunters, spreading disease. To date, only one disease was identified in the species in the U.S. The ticks are dark brown and grow to about the size of a pea when engorged with blood. Smaller larvae and nymphs are extremely small and hard to spot with the naked eye.

The other tick, H. punctata, is also called the "red sheep tick." It is native to Europe and has not yet been found in nature in this country, only on imported animals and animal products inspected at the time they were imported. They are found in the southern half of Europe, including England, as well as coastal areas of North Africa. The ticks usually attach to sheep, goats and cattle.

"The finding on Block Island is notable because this tick is not known to exist outside of its home range," the DEM said in a statement.

The department urged all Rhode Islanders to take precautions against tick-borne illnesses, which can impact people, livestock and pets. Hikers, hunters and farmers are at the highest risk.

To prevent transferring or picking up ticks, the DEM encouraged taking the following precautions:

• Apply tick repellents to exposed skin and clothing.
• Spray permethrin-containing products on outer clothing, including shoes. Permethrin should not be used directly on skin.
• Check clothing and exposed skin prior to moving from one area to another.
• Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Conduct body checks immediately after returning from outdoor activities in tick-infested areas.

To remove a tick from the body, use fine-tipped tweezers. Wash the area with water and disinfect the bite.

Hunters are encouraged to check with their dog's veterinarian about tick-control measures. Use the same guidelines to remove a tick from an animal.