Yet another disease-carrying tick species has entered Mass.

The Asian longhorn tick, first discovered in New Jersey in 2017, has spread to 24 states and is now known to carry the bacteria responsible for Ehrlichiosis. This disease can lead to symptoms like fever and muscle aches within two weeks of a tick bite, according to the CDC. Goudarz Molaei from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station notes that while these ticks bite humans, their infestation potential remains uncertain. The ticks likely arrived in the U. S.

through livestock, acquiring the pathogen from whitetail deer, which serve as the reservoir host. Massachusetts has yet to report any longhorn ticks carrying Ehrlichiosis, but researchers anticipate their spread across the U. S. and Canada. The ticks present a significant public health threat due to their ability to clone and create large colonies, and their year-round activity is exacerbated by climate change.

A Connecticut beach is currently closed due to the presence of these invasive ticks. Preventive measures include wearing bug repellent and checking oneself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.