Exotic Ticks Found in United States
New Tick Species Identified in the United States
WARNING: There is a new tick in town. A tick not usually found in the United States, let alone the Western Hemisphere, was reported for the first time in the United States in 2017. According to the CDC, these ticks have been found in the following states:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The ticks in question are known as the Asian Longhorned tick. They have been found on people and animals, including pets, wild animals, and livestock. They are suspected to carry harmful diseases that can make both people and animals seriously ill. However, as of October 2, 2018, no harmful germs have been discovered in the collected ticks in the United States.
Protecting Your Pets from Tick Bites
In order to protect your pets from disease-carrying ticks like the Asian Longhorned tick, prevention is key. For ultimate protection, vets recommend year-round use of flea and tick preventatives. These products can help prevent diseases that fleas and ticks carry, such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, and any unknown diseases the exotic Asian Longhorned tick may be carrying.
To explore trusted flea and tick preventatives, visit the Flea and Tick Medication category on 1800PetMeds.
Learn More
For more information on the Asian Longhorned tick, visit the CDC’s website or review the Asian Longhorned Tick Fact Sheet.
