The presence of the Asian, or longhorn tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, has been confirmed in Pennsylvania, according to state agriculture officials.

Pennsylvania map/ National Atlas of the United States
Pennsylvania map/ National Atlas of the United States

The tick was discovered on a wild deer in Centre County.

The longhorn tick is an invasive species that congregates in large numbers and can cause anemia in livestock. It can carry several diseases that infect hogs and cattle in Asia.

Native to East and Central Asia, the tick was originally identified in the U.S. in New Jersey, where it was found in large numbers in sheep in Mercer County in 2017. It has also been found in Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia. 

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“The discovery of the longhorn tick is another reminder of the importance of tick prevention for Pennsylvanians,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Ticks can be found in your own backyard, so it is essential to wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellant containing DEET to help keep you safe from ticks and the diseases they carry. It is also important to check yourself and your pets for ticks, as pets can bring ticks indoors.”

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