Discover why dairy farmers must stay vigilant as the Asian Longhorned Tick spreads to 19 states. Learn how this growing threat could impact your livelihood.
Across the nation, ticks are a pressing concern for our beef and dairy farmers, triggering annual battles in the arduous task of livestock protection. In particular, there’s one species that demands our attention – the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes this species bluntly as “invasive pests that pose a serious threat to livestock.”
“Invasive pests that pose a serious threat to livestock.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s description of the Asian Longhorned tick
“Invasive pests that pose a serious threat to livestock.” – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s description of the Asian Longhorned tick
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now confirmed the presence of the Asian Longhorned tick (ALT) in 19 states throughout the U.S. This includes Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Why Dairy Farmers Should be Concerned About the Asian Longhorned Tick
As a dairy farmer, your herd’s health is critical. The unchecked spread of the Asian Longhorned tick poses not only a risk to livestock but also to your livelihood. This tick species has been linked to numerous diseases, such as Theileria and Cattle Tick Fever (CTF), both of which can present severe health risks to dairy cows. Theileria, notably, causes a condition named ‘theileriosis’, an often fatal illness that results in pronounced anemia and decreased milk production.
The lack of vaccines and treatments against these tick-borne diseases in the U.S. elevates the severity of the situation. Despite the USDA’s attempts to understand Theileria and the ALT, the absence of a national program to curb infestations usually leaves you, the dairy farmer, in a defensive stance against this growing threat.
Let’s not overlook the human cost of these diseases. The CDC reported 50,865 human cases of tick-borne diseases in 2019, a figure predicted to increase due to climate changes that favor tick growth. Lyme disease, another tick-borne ailment, has seen a boost in cases across the United States, including among those working intimately with dairy cows.
The bottom line: the spread of the Asian Longhorned tick is not something you can afford to ignore. It’s akin to a ticking time bomb for your herd’s health, your livelihood, and potentially, your own health. Raising awareness and early intervention are crucial to securing your dairy farm against this emerging threat.
Calves are Also at High Risk
Unlike with anaplasmosis, any bovine at any age can be infected by these tick-borne diseases, but calves seem to be particularly susceptible. As we move into the spring calving season and again in the fall, it’s crucial for both veterinarians and producers to have this potential risk factor on their radar. Animals that get infected often carry a large load of Asian Longhorned Tick (ALT).
The Peculiarities of the Asian Longhorned Tick
The ALT presents a significant challenge in addressing the issue. Here’s why: the species reproduces by parthenogenesis, which means it doesn’t need a mate. In fact, all of the ticks that have been found in the United States so far are female. Not having to find a mate to reproduce allows this species to spread faster. A single female ALT is capable of creating a massive tick population all on her own, laying between 1,000 to 2,000 eggs at a time, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Additionally, because the ticks reproduce asexually, their life cycle appears to be shortened rather than lasting an entire year. According to Lahmers, “We can see multiple stages – the larva, nymph, and adult – all at the same time on the same animal.” So it’s imperative to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and controlling tick presence on your livestock.
Recognizing the Signs of Asian Longhorned Tick Infestation in Dairy Cows
Imagine the difference of running a flourishing dairy farm and seeing it hit by significant loss. Well, this could be down to your ability to detect an early infestation of the Asian Longhorned Tick – a pint-sized intruder that packs a potentially devastating punch. Yes, this tiny creature can adversely affect your dairy cows’ health, with consequences reaching beyond milk production. It is, thus, of paramount importance that you familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of an infestation for timely and successful intervention.
Physical signs on cows to help you identify an infestation:
- Tick presence on skin: Pay close attention to frequently infested areas: ears, udder, tail base, neck, and between legs. You should look for clusters of ticks, especially in areas that have thinner skin.
- Hair loss and irritation: One common sign is cows scratching and rubbing due to itchiness. There may even be localized hair loss around tick-infested areas.
- Anemia: This could manifest as pale mucous membranes, which are particularly noticeable around the eyes and gums. Anemia can also lead to lethargy and a reduction in milk production due to blood loss.
Behavioral changes you should be on alert for:
- Restlessness: Non-stop scratching against objects due to irritation.
- Reduced appetite: Anemia and irritation can cause a noteworthy decrease in feed intake.
The toll an infestation takes on cows’ health and productivity:
- Milk production: Don’t be surprised if there’s a significant drop in milk yield. This is often due to stress and blood loss.
- Weight loss: A reduced appetite and blood loss often lead to weight loss in cows.
- Reproductive issues: Infested cows may show lower fertility rates and longer calving intervals owing to stress.
- Secondary infections: Infested areas can develop into skin infections or abscesses.
The scary diseases that Asian Longhorned Ticks can transmit:
Asian Longhorned Ticks are carriers of multiple pathogens. Although their prevalence varies regionally, you might want to consider the following diseases:
- Theileriosis: This disease is caused by Theileria orientalis and can lead to anemia and jaundice.
- Anaplasmosis: Anaplasma, a bacterium, poses a threat to your cattle’s red blood cells via this disease.
- Babesiosis: Caused by Babesia parasites, Babesiosis presents symptoms like fever, anemia, and jaundice.
Effective Strategies for Dairy Farmers Against the Asian Longhorned Tick
As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, rings perfectly true when dealing with the Asian Longhorned Tick(ALT). The damage these pests can inflict on your livestock can be emotionally distressing and financially devastating. However, there are several strategic measures available to help you protect your livestock and, ultimately, your livelihood.
- One fundamental measure entails the habitual use of acaricides, chemicals specifically engineered to exterminate ticks. A widely employed method involves ‘dipping’ cattle in an acaricide solution. Although effective in eradicating ticks and preventing prospective infestations, it’s essential to remember that ticks can develop resistance to acaricides if overused. Rotating between various acaricides is therefore crucial for maintaining their efficacy.
- Vaccinating your livestock against tick-borne diseases is another crucial defense strategy. However, the unavailability of a national program addressing the ALT and Theileria makes accessing these vaccines a bit challenging. Where possible, vaccines against known tick-borne diseases should be included in your routine herd health regime.
- Effective pasture management – like rotating grazing and regularly mowing grass – can also reduce ALT populations. Remember, ticks thrive in long grass habitats, so reducing these can limit areas where ticks survive. Another effective pasture management approach is a rigorous rest and rotation strategy. Wait periods and well-timed rotations interrupt the lifecycle of ticks, providing an added layer of protection. Try to reduce tick populations by clearing out tall grasses and keeping pastures mowed. Ticks struggle to survive in short vegetation.
- Speedy removal and appropriate disposal of ticks once discovered on animals is imperative, mainly because a single female tick can reproduce asexually and yield thousands of offspring.
- Always stay proactive. Regularly examine your cows, especially during peak tick seasons. There are more direct techniques like tick dragging and flagging – sweeping cloths across pastures – that can help detect environmental tick presence.
- Integrated pest management, which includes biological control, can also help. Introduce tick predators, such as guinea fowls or parasitic wasps, into your farmland. Also, consider environmental treatments, like applying acaricides to high-risk areas.
- Finally, remember to utilize the knowledge of your veterinarian. Prompt diagnostic testing for tick-borne diseases can allow for timely and effective treatment. Collaborate with your vet to build a dedicated treatment protocol tailored to your farm’s specific needs.
As a responsible dairy farmer, always educate yourself about the latest tick prevention strategies and management methods. Participate in specific trainings and workshops, and make use of resources from local and state extension programs. All these initiatives can provide timely helping hands in your fight against ticks.
The Bottom Line
With the Asian Longhorned Tick now present in 19 states including Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and even reaching the Pacific Region, dairy farmers are encountering a risk that, if unaddressed, could translate into significant production losses. Rapid identification and application of effective countermeasures are crucial to minimize the impact on dairy businesses. As touched on, this tick doesn’t only pose a risk to cows but to a variety of animals, including cats. Thus, it’s crucial that farmers, especially in the most affected regions, stay vigilant, keep an eagle eye on their livestock for any signs and symptoms of an infestation, and adopt robust strategies to keep this pest at bay. By doing so, not only are they preserving the health of their herd but also ensuring the ongoing market viability of their operation. This is why the fight against the Asian Longhorned Tick is a fight worth taking on.
