Asian longhorned ticks (ALHTs) are an invasive tick species native to east Asia. The ticks were first detected in New Jersey in 2017 and have spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States.

ALHTs are light brown in color and are very small, about the size of a sesame seed or even smaller. They are easily mistaken for other tick species.

The ticks have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.

Health Risks to Domestic Animals

While these ticks are capable of causing tickborne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus, they have not been confirmed to carry these diseases outside of a laboratory setting in the United States. However, ALHTs collected in other parts of the country have been found to carry Theileria orientalis, one of the pathogens that cause bovine theileriosis—which is a reportable animal disease.

The ticks also have been known to form large infestations on one animal. A severe infestation can even kill an animal due to blood loss.

Prevention

• Use preventative tick treatments. Contact your veterinarian for more information about tick prevention for your animals.
• Perform regular tick checks. Look around an animal’s eyes, ears, limbs, tail, and toes for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.
• Practice tick prevention on pastures and lawns. Keep tall grass trimmed back along buildings and property edges, mow lawns, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers to help make spaces tick safe.

Send in Ticks for Identification

Veterinarians and owners of livestock or other production animals can submit ticks to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) for identification and pathogen testing services. The MSU VDL is experienced in identifying ALHT and routinely performs PCR tests to identify pathogens carried by ticks for a fee. Companion animal and horse owners should work with their veterinarian for tick submissions to MSU VDL. Submit only ticks removed from animals or areas frequented by animals. Ticks removed from humans will not be accepted. The MSU VDL does not test specimens removed from humans. Please visit animalhealth.msu.edu for more information.

For Michigan residents, expert tick identification is available for free through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. You can either email a picture of the tick to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov or you can submit a tick by mail to the MDHHS for identification. Detailed instructions for submissions can be found on Michigan’s Emerging Diseases website. Free tick submission kits are available from your local health department.

Resources

• Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Asian longhorned tick page for the most current map.
• Health & Human Services: Information on Michigan's over 20 known tick species