What is Asian Longhorned Tick? 

The Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) is an invasive tick species that was first detected in New Jersey in 2017, but specimens were collected as early as 2010. It has continued to spread west since its introduction on the East coast and has now reached Kansas as of October 2025. It is primarily a concern for livestock and other animals 

Identification 

Nymph stages are as small as a sesame seed while the adult females can become the size of a pea after a blood meal. Typically, they are found in large numbers on animals. They do not have a preferred site on animals but will swarm an area on them. Animals can die from blood loss due to these large infestations.   

To confirm tick identification, samples can be submitted in alcohol to the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Lifecycle 

The Asian longhorned tick is a three-host tick, which means each life stage requires taking a meal from an animal for maturation to the next stage. Individual pastures can develop high tick loads from cattle being used for all three hosts. The type of ALHT found in the USA reproduces asexually with each female laying up to 2,000 eggs.  

These ticks prefer warm, humid climates. It appears to also prefer brushy pastures and tall grass. 

Pathogens 

Primary diseases of concern that these ticks are confirmed to transmit in the field are Theileria orientalis Ikeda and Babesiosis to cattle. More research is needed to assess other diseases that they can transmit in the field to other species.  

Treatment 

Typical tick treatments are effective against the Asian longhorned tick. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations regarding treatment protocols. To decrease tick population in pastures, burning in early spring and clearing brush are management tools you can utilize in Kansas. 

See Theileria orientalis Ikeda below.