MAINE — Researchers have confirmed the presence of a new invasive tick species in Maine, marking a significant discovery in pest monitoring in the northeastern United States. The Asian longhorned tick, first identified in the U.S. in New Jersey in 2017, was confirmed this past July by officials from the University of Maine and state conservation authorities.
What’s New About the Asian Longhorned Tick?
Originating from East Asia, the Asian longhorned tick is known to spread several tick-borne illnesses, including spotted fever. Since its first detection in the U.S., it has spread to over 20 states, primarily along the eastern region. The discovery of this tick in Maine is concerning due to its potential to spread diseases and its unique reproductive abilities. Female ticks of this species can reproduce without mating, allowing a single tick to create an infestation.
What Happened in Maine?
The exact method of how the Asian longhorned tick arrived in Maine is unclear, but public health officials suspect that it may have been brought in via pets or livestock. Griffin Dill, the director of the UMaine Extension Tick Lab, stressed the importance of continued tick monitoring in the state. While the current discovery is considered an isolated incident, Dill highlighted that vigilance is necessary to ensure public safety.
The tick specimen found was not yet an adult and was collected from southern Maine. Follow-up checks in that area have not revealed any additional ticks, but the situation is still under watch.
What’s Next?
Ongoing research will be crucial to understanding the Asian longhorned tick’s potential to spread diseases in Maine and other parts of the U.S. While ticks are already a major public health concern in the Northeast—particularly with the blacklegged or deer tick, which spreads Lyme disease—the Asian longhorned tick adds another layer of concern for local residents and wildlife.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
To reduce the risk of tick bites and potential tick-borne illnesses, residents are encouraged to take preventive measures, such as:
- Checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
- Avoiding thick vegetation where ticks may be hiding.
- Wearing protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants, when venturing into tick-prone areas.
By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, Maine’s residents can help protect their health and mitigate the potential risks posed by this new invasive tick species.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
The post New Invasive Tick Species Identified in Maine: What You Need to Know first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
