Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick Discovered in Illinois for the First Time

Illinois has confirmed its first case of the Asian longhorned tick, marking it the 20th U.S. state to report the invasive species. Detected in Morgan County, this finding was part of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s tick surveillance efforts. Asian longhorned ticks pose significant threats to livestock and can reproduce rapidly, as a single female can lay up to 2,000 eggs. State officials urge farmers to consult veterinarians for effective management plans. The potential human health risks posed by the tick are still under investigation.