Cattle producers across the state are on the lookout as the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has issued a warning to Kansans after it was notified of a confirmed Asian long-horned tick found on a dog in Franklin County. This is the first confirmed Asian long-horned tick found in Kansas. Although the investigation continues, no other animal species have been confirmed to be infected in the area.
Asian long-horned tics are of great concern due to their ability to reproduce asexually and diseases they transmit to animals, especially theileria orientalis ikeda– particularly in cattle. Signs of infection include weakness, fever, reluctance to walk, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, reduced milk production, foamy nasal discharge, and abortion.
If you believe one of your animals may have similar symptoms, you are asked to contact the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for identification. Any ticks should be placed in rubbing alcohol for testing.
