Exotic' tick species discovered in New Jersey

New Jersey officials have found an "exotic" East Asian tick in the state that could be a threat to livestock, pets and humans. The state's department of agriculture said Tuesday they discovered the tick, known as the longhorned tick or bush tick, on a farm in Hunterdon County on Nov. 9. The tick isn't native to the United States, but the species has been found on animals and materials presented for entry into the country in the past. The species are dark brown and small, only getting to the size of a pea when fully engorged. According to officials, the tick is a "serious pest to livestock," particularly in New Zealand. While the Hunterdon farm has been treated to eliminate the species, New Jersey farmers are being asked to be on the lookout for decreased growth rates or signs of anemia in the animals. The species is known to cause Theileriosis in cattle, a disease that can lead to severe anemia and even death. While Theileriosis does cause any food safety or human health risks, the ticks could cause the spread of other bacterial and viral diseases in humans and animals. Agriculture officials are currently investigating whether the locally found ticks are carrying any pathogens that may impact human or animal health. Officials reminded residents to take the following steps to try and avoid ticks:=READ MORE