Invasive Longhorned Tick Discovered in Maine, Raising Disease Concerns

The invasive Asian longhorned tick has been discovered in Maine for the first time, found in Cumberland County. Although at a juvenile stage that cannot reproduce, its presence raises concerns for livestock, wildlife, and public health, prompting increased monitoring and preventative measures. The tick, native to East Asia and first identified in the U.S. in 2017, can feed on various hosts and transmit diseases, necessitating vigilance and early detection efforts.