Asian Longhorned Tick Awareness for Caswell County Livestock Producers
The Asian longhorned tick, an invasive species native to East Asia, has recently been sighted & in Rockingham County—a direct neighbor of Caswell. This finding signals a potentially imminent threat to our livestock operations nearby.
Spread & Detection in North Carolina- First detected in Polk County on an opossum in June 2018, this tick has now been found in 22 NC counties, spanning from Buncombe to Caldwell—and most recently in Rockingham County.
- Its spread is rapid- a single female can produce up to 3,300 eggs, all capable of developing into more egg-laying female ticks- These female ticks DO NOT need males to reproduce!
Why you as the Caswell County producer should be concerned:
- Heavy infestations lead to significant blood loss, causing anemia, poor weight gain, reproductive issues, and in severe cases, death.
- If you have livestock that show an increase in tick presence please contact your veterinarian or local extension office for recommendations on chemical control.
- Ticks are proven carriers of Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a parasite that causes theileriosis. This disease is generally found in cattle.
- Theileriosis can cause decreased milk production, anemia, respiratory distress, reproductive issues & can lead to death in your animal if left untreated.
- Livestock can also be carriers of this and pass it along to other animals without showing any signs or symptoms.
Confirmed Impact in North Carolina
- In July 2019, NCDA&CS reported the tick contributed to the deaths of 5 cattle in Surry County. Livestock losses and pasture infestations continue to be reported.
What can you do to protect your livestock?
- Frequent Visual Inspections
- Check livestock daily, focusing on high-risk areas (ears, dewlap, udder, perianal region) especially after pasture grazing and utilize veterinary procedures (work with your vet!)
- Pasture & Habitat Management
- Maintain short grass and eliminate brushy areas where ticks thrive
- Strategic Acaricide Use
- Employ host-targeted treatments: pyrethroid sprays, pour-on insecticides, backrubbers, and dust bags. Use all products according to their label.
- Coordinate with your veterinarian to design a control program that best fits your farm.
- Partner with Extension & Vet Professionals
- Submit suspect ticks via NC Public Health’s free identification program or through your veterinarian.
- Contact your county extension agent for further guidance.
- Enhance Biosecurity & Monitoring
- Restrict animal movement to and from infested areas.
- Monitor closely for symptoms of tick-borne diseases—watch for anemia, fever, weight loss, reduced milk weaning, abortions.
- Engage your vet promptly if animals are ill—note that Theileria once established doesn’t have a cure; prevention is key. If left unnoticed this tick borne disease can spread and cause severe damage in your herd.
Given the presence in neighboring Rockingham County, Caswell County livestock producers should adopt tick surveillance, pasture hygiene, and chemical control strategies. Working hand‑in‑hand with your veterinarian and extension agent can help to mitigate risk and safeguard your livestock health. Stay alert and aware—early action now means healthier livestock tomorrow. If you need assistance with identification, or would like to know more, contact your veterinarian or the Caswell County Livestock Agent, Bailee Sheffield at 336-694-4158 ext. 5.
Penn State offers useful information in regards to identification & control of the Asian Longhorn Tick. Visit the link to learn more: https://extension.psu.edu/asian-longhorned-tick-haemaphysalis-longicornis
