Tick Infestation Spreading Rapidly in Ohio, Posing Bloodthirsty Threat

The invasive Asian longhorned tick has been rapidly spreading across Ohio, with the first established population of this species in the state. These ticks have caused the death of three cattle due to severe blood loss. While they currently pose no significant threat to human health, they prefer large livestock and wildlife. Tick-borne illnesses, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum and bovine theileriosis, have been identified in these ticks. The ticks reproduce asexually, leading to exponential population growth, making them a long-term management problem. Scientists from Ohio State University are conducting research to monitor and manage these pests.