Asian longhorned tick confirmed in Oklahoma

The invasive Asian longhorned tick has been found in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, confirmed the presence of this non-native arachnid, which was found in Mayes County.

Asian longhorned ticks are light brown and extremely small in size. The Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the United States in 2017 when it was found in New Jersey. Oklahoma is now the 20th state to confirm a case of Asian longhorned tick.

Asian longhorned ticks are native to China, Japan and Korea. They can vector both human and animal diseases and cause severe anemia in animals.

With the confirmation of this invasive species, ODAFF encourages all Oklahoma residents report additional Asian longhorned tick encounters to the state.

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].