Invasive Tick That Can Reproduce Without a Male Found in Kansas for the First Time
TOPEKA, KANSAS — State officials have confirmed the first discovery of an invasive tick species in Kansas that can reproduce without a male, raising concerns for both human and animal health. The Asian longhorned tick (ALHT), known for its ability to multiply rapidly, was identified on a dog in Franklin County, according to an announcement by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Franklin County
The tick was detected through the KDHE’s veterinary surveillance network, which collects samples from clinics statewide. The finding was later confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“This prolific tick, which can reproduce without the need for a male tick, has both human and animal health implications,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
Kansas is now the 21st U.S. state to report the species, which was first discovered domestically in 2017. Justin Smith, Kansas’s animal health commissioner, said veterinarians across the state have been alerted to watch for the tick and understand its risks.
Health Concerns for Animals and Humans
The Asian longhorned tick is capable of creating dense infestations on animals, sometimes leading to severe anemia or even death from blood loss. It is also known to transmit a cattle parasite responsible for bovine theileriosis, a disease that can cause fever, weakness, and reduced milk production in livestock.
While human health implications are still being studied, KDHE public health veterinarian Erin Petro said the tick poses potential risks due to its ability to carry tick-borne pathogens. In other parts of the U.S., the tick has been found infected with Bourbon virus and ehrlichiosis, both of which already exist in Kansas but are currently transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
Officials Urge Precaution and Continued Monitoring
The Bourbon virus gained national attention in 2014 after a Kansas resident from Bourbon County died from the previously unidentified disease. Since then, researchers have worked to understand how emerging tick species might change disease dynamics in the region.
“We’re still learning about this tick and the ecological role it may play in the future in terms of disease transmission,” Petro said. “While the human health implications are uncertain, this tick has serious implications for animal health.”
State officials advise veterinarians, pet owners, and livestock producers to remain vigilant and report unusual infestations. Regular tick checks, use of repellents, and keeping grass trimmed are key preventive steps.
Stay updated with NapervilleLocal.com for more Midwest health and environment reports, including updates on emerging tick-borne threats across the region.
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