Ask the Experts: Practical Strategies to Blunt the Asian Longhorned Tick’s Impact on Michigan Cattle, Sheep and Goat Herds

Jul 04, 2025

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

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.