Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension veterinarian, is partnering with the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and OSU Extension to reach Oklahoma cattle producers for research participation.
“We are looking for 20 to 30 ranchers with about 20 head of cattle each to take part in this study,” Biggs said. “Supplies, blood testing and shipping are all covered, and we are offering tick identification through testing samples.”
Biggs said the study will look for signs of anaplasmosis, a treatable, tick-borne bacterial infection that can affect humans and pets, as well as Theileria orientalis genotype Ikeda, an incurable disease spread by the Asian longhorned tick that can cause anemia and death.
Recent studies show the Asian longhorned tick is moving west from the southeastern U.S. Oklahoma became the 21st state to report the Asian longhorned tick in summer 2024.
“In addition to our Oklahoma producers who may want to participate, we encourage producers in neighboring states to reach out for testing supplies,” Biggs said. “We want to work with ranchers in the east and northeast areas where the tick has been detected.”
Jonathan Cammack, state Extension specialist for livestock entomology and parasitology, warns producers of the potential hazards this tick is capable of introducing to livestock herds.
“The pathogenic Ikeda strain of Theileria orientalis is not yet in Oklahoma but likely will be as it is present in Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, and there is no vaccine or cure,” Cammack said. “Once an animal gets this pathogen, it will have it for life, and if the infected animal is moved or sold, the pathogen can then spread to other animals.”
While symptoms of Theileria orientalis are similar to anaplasmosis, Cammack said producers should look for responsiveness to antibiotics, as anaplasmosis signs are treatable.
“This is going to be the initial study in Oklahoma to determine the prevalence and distribution of the Asian longhorned tick,” Cammack said. “It’s going to help guide our ability to respond to this new invasive species and pathogen issue within cattle in the state.”
Cammack said as ticks become more active in the spring, producers can learn how to identify the Asian longhorned tick in wooded areas.
“In terms of size, this pest is extremely small,” he said. “They are 3 to 5 millimeters across in length and a dark mahogany brown color that blends in very well with leaf litter and other kinds of plant material this time of year.”
Biggs said the team is taking samples through the end of 2025, and those interested in participating in the study can sign up online at tinyurl.com/4yk7zm9f.
“We have a goal to assist producers in a collaborative way,” Biggs said. “Once we get the results of this test, we will work with our partners in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, Extension and the Oklahoma cattle industry to make sure we have an approach with animal health and environmental impacts in mind to address diseases this tick brings.” — OSU Extension
