Emerging tick-borne disease brought on by Asian longhorn ticks

Lainie Kringen-Scholtz
Mar 25, 2026
11 hrs ago

Asian longhorned tick transmits a parasite, Theileria oreintalis Ikeda, which destroys red blood cells.
Photo courtesy Jim Occi/Rutgers University

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Spring is on its way for us in the northern United States! That means bugs are gearing up to make their appearance too. But in the southeastern United States where it stays warmer year round, the bugs never take a break from wreaking havoc. This can be seen in the emerging disease, Theileria orientalis, caused by the Asian longhorn tick that Missouri and other states are struggling with today.

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Lainie Kringen-Scholtz, DVM, is veterinarian and owner of True North Veterinary Health in Wentworth, S.D. Reach her at truenorthveterinaryhealth@gmail.com or PO Box 117, Wentworth, SD 57075.