Invasive Tick Discovered In IL For First Time

ILLINOIS — Illinois recently became the 20th state to discover the Asian longhorned tick, an invasive species, according to authorities.

Also known as Haemaphysalis longicornis, the tick was found April 12 in Morgan County, west of Springfield, authorities said. Two more ticks were discovered April 24 in the area.

The Asian longhorned tick is capable of carrying diseases that affect cattle, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“In some cases of severe H. longicornis infestation, livestock death has been reported,” Dr. Mark Ernst, Illinois Department of Agriculture state veterinarian, said in a news release. “Farmers and producers should continue working with their veterinarian to maintain an appropriate management plan.”

First introduced to the U.S. in 2017, the tick is light brown and often smaller than a sesame seed, according to authorities. Females can reproduce without a mate and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time.

“Although the role that this tick will play in the transmission of infections in humans is yet to be determined, the Department of Public Health is working … with the Department of Agriculture to monitor the presence of the tick and investigate the risk it carries to both humans and livestock,” health department Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the news release.

To prevent ticks:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or two-undecanone.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin.
• Check your body and clothing for ticks upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your backyard.
• Place tick-infested clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill the insects.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases and prevention products for pets and livestock.

Anyone who believes they have identified an Asian longhorned tick on an animal should place the insect in a jar with isopropyl alcohol and contact the agriculture department at 217-782-4944.