Here in Virginia, we have been blessed with some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country. Of course, this privilege also comes with responsibility — and a need to be cautious. When you’re hiking in the woods or even gardening in your backyard, there are certain things to look out for. One of those is the tiny yet potentially harmful tick. Ticks aren’t exactly new, and you’re likely already aware of how to stay away from them. But a new kind of tick has been spotted in Virginia, and it’s good to be aware of it. Fortunately, it’s not yet known to carry any harmful diseases.

Ticks are not new here in Virginia; in fact, it's common practice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to check for them after spending time outside.
billy liar / flickr
However, there's a new tick that's been spotted in Virginia in the past couple of years: the Asian Longhorned tick.
Wikipedia
In 2017, seven cattle mysteriously died in Albemarle County, and it was later discovered that the culprit was Theileria, a disease carried by the Asian Longhorned tick.
kookookachoo47 / flickr

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Today, this particular kind of tick has been seen in 30 Virginia counties and a dozen states in the U.S.
Wikipedia
Something peculiar about the Longhorned tick is that females can lay eggs and reproduce without mating.
CDC.gov
It's still unknown whether these ticks prefer open or wooded areas. They can be seen on humans, animals, and livestock.
Philip Bouchard / flickr
The potential harm for humans is yet undetermined. As stated on the CDC website: "However, we do not yet know if and how often these ticks are able to pass these germs along to people and make them ill." A recent study showed that a bite from this tick isn't likely to contribute to Lyme disease.

Did you know that the Asian Longhorn tick had been spotted in Virginia? Feel free to let us know in the comments below! And, for a helpful guide for tick safety, be sure to check out the official CDC guide for tick safety.

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