Tennessee agriculture and health officials are warning about an invasive tick recently found in two East Tennessee counties.
Two Asian longhorned ticks were discovered on a dog in Union County and five were found on a cow in Roane County.
The tick has been detected in 11 states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the Asian longhorned tick has transmitted pathogens to human or animals in the U.S., but it still poses a risk to livestock. The ticks can form a large infestation on host animals, which can hurt or even kill the animal.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recommends the following tips for preventing tick bites in animals and livestock:
- Coordinate with your veterinarian to determine appropriate pest prevention for pets and livestock.
- Check pets and livestock for ticks frequently.
- Remove any ticks by pulling from the attachment site of the tick bite with tweezers.
- Monitor your pets and livestock for any changes in health.
If your animals are bitten by a tick, veterinarians suggest putting the tick in a bag, writing down the date and where the tick was most likely encountered, and storing it in the freezer. If any symptoms of tick-borne illness occur, you should take the tick to your vet.
