Watch Out For The Asian Longhorn Tick Invading Oklahoma

With rain comes bugs and Oklahoma is facing one insect problem that could cause a lot of health issues for pet and livestock owners in the state. The Oklahoma State University released news of an invasive threat of Asian Longhorn ticks (ALT).

Although they've only been found in the northeastern part of the state as of May 21, 2025, they can spread quickly. And, according to their research, getting their infestation under control could prove to be difficult.

Animal owners around Oklahoma are encouraged to take preventative measures now and keep a close eye on their animals during the coming months. If someone finds a tick and suspects it could be an Asian Longhorn Tick, they're asked to collect samples and consult your veterinarian or a local OSU Extension educator.

The invasive Asian Longhorn tick, now spreading in Oklahoma, poses a serious threat to livestock.

Although the Asian Longhorn tick was originally found in parts of Asia, it has found its way to the U.S. through trading. Now, livestock owners are spotting them in Oklahoma, which is dangerous for a variety of reasons, according to Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University Extension Specialist for Livestock Entomology and Parasitology and Assistant Professor of Entomology.

"We could have instances where as many as 1,000 of these ticks could be feeding on a single animal at a given time,” he said. “That could result in the animal dying due to blood loss."

It may sound outlandish to find this many ticks on an animal like a cow, but part of the reason they're being found in this many numbers is due to the fact that they are incredibly small and because of its ability to produce a huge population with an all-too-easy reproduction process.

Dr. Rosylnn Biggs, Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine at OSU, explained that "with a single tick introduction, the population can be established at a quick rate."

Treatment for diseases transmitted by ALTs cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Although most cause for concern in Oklahoma has been for the livestock industry, it's important for animals owners to understand that these ticks can be found on any animals, as Biggs emphasized.

"The ALTs will parasitize multiple species, including, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, dogs, cats and multiple wild animals," she said.

Regardless of the animal, the unfortunate truth about how this tick will affect animals is the same across the board. According to Cammack, antibiotics won't do the trick for the disease transmitted by ALTs.

@tick_talk_lyme Replying to @ssriley2001 Asian Longhorn ticks - the invasive species slurping the nation! Sources: https://entomologytoday.org/2021/08/05/acaricides-effective-invasive-asian-longhorned-tick/haemaphysalis-longicornis-tick/ https://tickapp.tamu.edu/invasive-ticks/asian-longhorned-tick-situation-report/ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/asian-longhorned/asian-longhorned-tick-what-you-need-know #onebitecanchangeyourlife #tickbornedisease #ticktalklyme #tickbite #asianlonghorntick ♬ original sound - Tick_Talk_Lyme

"The tick can transmit a protozoan pathogen known as Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda genotype," he said. "Since it is a protozoan and not a bacterium, it cannot be treated with antibiotics."

Oklahomans should use preventative measures now for themselves & animals.

Oklahoma is the 21st state to find ALTs on their animals and we're hoping to learn from previous experiences, although professionals do not expect the insects to go away completely.

"The ALT is expected to remain a concern in Oklahoma, so treating the animals and environment is important," said Justin Talley, Professor and Head of the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. The unfortunate truth, though, is that there is no current treatment for cattle with this particular pathogen.

For livestock, pasture rotation and patch burning has been a successful means of preventing the ticks in the past. For pet owners, basic flea and tick preventatives such as Nexguard and Bravecto protect against ALTs.

They can also bite humans, as well, so it's important to use preventative measures for yourself and your loved ones as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can "use tick repellent outdoors, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, tuck your pants into your socks, and remove any ticks from people or animals as soon as possible."