By Dan Buskirk and Jerad Jaborek
Why are Michigan producers suddenly talking about the Asian Longhorned Tick?
The Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) poses a serious threat to livestock health. By taking blood meals, or by serving as a parasite vector, it can cause anemia, particularly in young animals or those experiencing stress (e.g., transport, calving) and, in some cases, death. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the presence of this tick and to diligently scout for Asian longhorned ticks on livestock and companion animals.
Asian longhorned ticks are native to East Asia, including Russia, China, Korea and Japan, but have spread to Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and the U.S. In other countries, Asian longhorned ticks are often called a bush or scrub tick. Although Asian longhorned ticks have been identified throughout the eastern U.S. since 2010, they are migrating westward. In June 2025, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the first detection of two Asian longhorned ticks in southern Michigan.
Source : msu.edu