A new species of tick has been discovered in Polk County, North Carolina.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found the Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) on an opossum in Polk County.

The Longhorned tick is an exotic East Asian tick. Prior to its first identification in the United States last fall in New Jersey, the Longhorned tick was not typically found in the United States (only been found in 4 states so far).

The Longhorned tick is a serious pest of livestock in East Asia and the means of introduction into the U.S. is unknown.

The tick is an aggressive biter causing animals great stress and blood loss. It can reproduce parthenogenetically (without a male) and a single fed female tick can create a localized population.

Ticks spread diseases such as Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We recommend year-round tick and flea prevention for all pets! Come see us today to discuss the best tick prevention for your pets.

To learn more information, see this information from the US Department of Agriculture.