MANHATTAN, KANSAS (RFD News) — Asian longhorned ticks are becoming a growing concern for cattle producers, as they spread a disease that can have serious impacts on herds. The ticks are linked to bovine theileriosis, a parasite-driven disease that can cause anemia, fever, jaundice, and even death in cattle.
Kansas State University Livestock Entomologist Cassandra Olds explains that prevention is critical, especially since there is no cure or vaccine. She emphasized that animals can become lifelong carriers, with symptoms often returning during stressful periods like transport or late gestation. Pregnant heifers and young calves are especially vulnerable.
“This pathogen is transmitted by ticks but can also be moved around by sharing needles between infected and uninfected animals, and by biting flies,” Olds says. “So, we need to keep track of our animals, whether they’re on pasture or in the feed yard.”
Olds also advised that managing tick populations is one of the best ways to limit the spread. Studies at Kansas State show that burning pastures, especially in the spring, can help reduce tick numbers.
Federal officials are also monitoring the spread. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says the disease has been most prevalent along the East Coast but continues to spread westward, making awareness and early action important for producers.
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