The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive species established in more than 20 U.S. states. Believed to have entered the country around 2010, it was first identified on cattle in northeastern Oklahoma in summer 2024. For the first time in early October 2025, the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced that the tick had been identified in their state.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine are continuing their project through the end of the year to evaluate the status of the Asian longhorned tick and its pathogens in Oklahoma and bordering states cattle herds. Preliminary results have detected Theileria orientalis genotype Chitose but not Ikeda, the pathogen of greatest concern. No Asian longhorned ticks have been identified. Additional participation from across the state is needed and encouraged. Cattle producers are urged to take part during fall processing.
Eleven herds have submitted samples thus far, and an additional 20 to 40 farms have the opportunity to participate by submitting blood, ticks, or both.
All sampling supplies, shipping labels, and testing are provided at no cost to producers. Samples may be collected by veterinarians or producers with a consulting herd veterinarian. Blood collections will process twice weekly with results emailed to the address on the submission form and the consulting herd veterinarian. Anaplasma marginale testing will also be provided at no cost, (up to 20 samples per herd) if anaplasmosis is suspected in the herd.
For more information or to participate in the study please fill out the interest form HERE or contact a member of the research team:
Dr. Ruth Scimeca at ruth.scimeca@okstate.edu , Dr. Rosslyn Biggs at rosslyn.biggs@okstate.edu or Dr. John Gilliam at john.gilliam@okstate.edu
