Animal Health Solutions

Q2 2019 | Animal Health Solutions | 13 More at: northamerica.covetrus.com/publications T he most recent study shows a significant increase in reported cases from 2016 to 2017 of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In addition to an increase in disease, researchers have identified seven new tick-borne pathogens infecting humans. The reason for this increase in disease is unknown, but one can speculate the changing weather, land development, and the rate people are traveling (with their pets in tow) contributes to the spread. In addition to a rise in disease, a new public health threat has emerged. The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) first caused a stir in August 2017 when the tick was found infesting sheep on a New Jersey farm. From August 2017 until September 2018, there were 53 reports of the Asian longhorned tick in the United States. Of the 53 cases, 23 were from domestic animals, 13 from wildlife, two from humans, and 15 from environmental sampling. The Asian longhorned tick has been found in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Researchers are still unsure as to how this tick entered the United States, but being the size of a pea at engorgement (and some life stages the size of a poppy seed 1 ), it could have easily hitched a ride on an animal or human without being noticed. The Asian longhorned tick is a dangerous threat to humans and animals because it has the ability to transmit several diseases, has a unique reproducing ability, and the potential to cause devastating effects on livestock and agriculture. With tick-borne disease spreading and a new tick emerging, clients are going to be asking us questions and we need to be armed with plenty of information and answers to give them. The Asian longhorned tick is native to East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Asian longhorned ticks transmit a virus which causes Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) in people in China. Asian longhorned ticks collected in Asia have been found to transmit theileriosis and babesiosis, as well as pathogens similar to those that cause ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. These ticks also have the potential to carry Lyme disease. Research is continually being performed to assess the threat this tick poses to animals and humans in the United States. In addition to their potential to transmit several diseases, the Asian longhorned tick is unique from other ticks in its reproducing ability. Unlike common tick species in the United Sates who require both male and female to reproduce, a fed female Asian longhorned tick is able to reproduce without a male through parthenogenesis. A single fed female alone can produce around 2,000 eggs. 2 Being able to reproduce in this manner creates significant health concerns, as one lone female can create an entire population in a new location. In addition, when an infestation of the Asian longhorned tick occurs on an animal, the severity of anemia can be deadly. In Australia and New Zealand, the Asian longhorned tick is a severe threat to livestock, and this remains a valid concern in the United States. With the threat of infestation, this tick has the potential to cause severe stress to livestock herds reducing growth and production, as well as transmitting disease. A severe infestation of the Asian longhorned tick can cause anemia and death in the herd. Another important concern is these ticks do not die off in the winter and instead, burrow underground, leading to increased tick populations and making infestations more difficult to manage. The size of the Asian longhorned tick makes it difficult to detect by even the most astute pet owner. It is smaller than any other tick typically seen in the United States. The small size combined with its unique reproducing ability, allowing it to infest animals, homes, and farms makes the use of regular ectoparasite prevention the mainstay in controlling the Asian longhorned tick population. Families who were previously not using regular ectoparasite prevention need to start, and those that currently use prevention need to be educated on the increase in tick borne disease as well as this new tick. If people are using an oral prevention, consider adding on a topical that contains a repellent such as ParaDefense Advanced. Being able to offer a product that discourages ticks from considering our pets as a blood meal is the best medicine. Lastly, do not underestimate the threat of infestation with the Asian longhorned tick! Make sure people are aware and their pets protected! 1. United States Drug Administration (USDA) 2. Pennsylvania Department of Health About the author Dr. Leigh Hofmeister, DVM is a graduate of Clemson University and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical studies at Oklahoma State University and has been working in small animal private practice since. She is currently practicing at the Great Neck Veterinary Clinic in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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