longhorned tick
WHITE PLAINS – The longhorned tick, native to Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asian, has been found in Westchester County.
The tick has been found recently in New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arkansas and now in New York.
Health officials said while the longhorn tick has transmitted disease to humans in other parts of the globe, more research is needed to determine if that can happen in the United States.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler advised residents to protect themselves, their farm animals and pets against ticks.
This tick is a concern for the agricultural industry because it may pose a threat to livestock. State and health department officials advise farmers to work with their veterinarians to check their animals, particularly cattle, sheep and horses, for exposure to ticks and to ensure their parasite control plans are up to date and working.
Symptoms of tick-borne disease in cattle include fever, lack of appetite, dehydration, weakness and labored breathing,
