Prairie State Wire

Illinois has become the 20th state in the United States to detect the presence of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis). The discovery was made on April 12 during routine active tick surveillance in Morgan County as part of a grant-funded program by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

"Identification was confirmed by entomologists at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory," the report stated.

The small, light brown tick, known for its ability to reproduce without a mate and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, was first introduced to the U.S. in 2017. Dr. Mark Ernst, the State Veterinarian at the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), highlighted the potential risks associated with the Asian longhorned tick, stating, "In some cases of severe H. longicornis infestation, livestock death has been reported."

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), IDPH, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, the Director of IDPH, emphasized the importance of the active tick surveillance program in detecting the Asian longhorned tick in Illinois. He stated, "Although the role that this tick will play in the transmission of infections in humans is yet to be determined, the Department of Public Health is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to monitor the presence of the tick and investigate the risk it carries to both humans and livestock."

In response to the discovery, authorities have provided tick prevention tips, including using EPA-registered insect repellents, treating clothing and gear with permethrin, checking the body and clothing for ticks, showering after being outdoors, and consulting with a veterinarian about tickborne diseases in the area.

If anyone suspects they have found an Asian longhorned tick on an animal, they are advised to place the tick in a jar with isopropyl alcohol and contact the Department of Agriculture at 217 782-4944 for further assistance.