New Invasive Tick in Michigan Can Kill Cattle

Ticks have been increasing in Michigan over the last few years. Now, the state is facing an invasive tick that can kill cattle.

There are over 20 known types of ticks in Michigan, but only a few are common and pose a risk to humans and pets. This invasive species doesn’t require a male to reproduce, and it's spreading fast.

The Most Common Ticks in Michigan

Ticks are disliked because these external parasites live by feeding on the blood of humans, mammals, birds, and even reptiles and amphibians. A tick will attach itself to skin, feed on blood, and can transmit a variety of bacteria, viruses, or parasites, leading to diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or red meat allergy.

Ticks transmit diseases by embedding their mouthparts into the skin to feed on a host's blood. During the feeding process, they can inject pathogens from a previous host that can cause a reaction in the current host.

Read More: Deadly Parasite Endangers Moose in Michigan

The five most common ticks in Michigan are the American Dog Tick, Blacklegged Tick (Also known as a Deer Tick, which is the primary carrier of Lyme disease), Lone Star Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and the Woodchuck Tick.

New Tick Species Alarms Michigan Ranchers

According to WOOD TV, a new tick discovered in the U.S. in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick, has spread to 23 states, including Michigan. The Asian longhorned tick has been proven to be fatal for cattle.

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This invasive tick can be smaller than a sesame seed, but it can grow to the size of a pea. What makes this tick spread so fast is that the females do not need to mate to lay their eggs. Each female can lay up to 2,500 eggs on a single animal, which can lead to its death.

👇BELOW: 8 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Ticks👇