First Record of the Asian Longhorned Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in Missouri

ABSTRACT The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is an invasive species, originally from eastern Asia, and was first reported in the USA in New Jersey. It is now reported in several eastern states. In 2018, researchers reported H. longicornis in northwest Arkansas (Benton County). This tick species is a proven vector of livestock and human diseases, which prompted the current survey of ticks in southwest Missouri. A tick drag in Greene County, Missouri, produced 2 H. longicornis nymphs on June 9, 2021. This is the first report of this species for both the state and county.

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Potential for online crowdsourced biological recording data to complement surveillance for arthropod vectors

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0250382 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0250382

Author(s):

Benjamin Cull

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Distribution Patterns ◽

Amblyomma Americanum ◽

Published Data ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

Vector Surveillance ◽

Vector Distribution ◽

The Usa ◽

Surveillance Programs ◽

The Uk

Voluntary contributions by citizen scientists can gather large datasets covering wide geographical areas, and are increasingly utilized by researchers for multiple applications, including arthropod vector surveillance. Online platforms such as iNaturalist accumulate crowdsourced biological observations from around the world and these data could also be useful for monitoring vectors. The aim of this study was to explore the availability of observations of important vector taxa on the iNaturalist platform and examine the utility of these data to complement existing vector surveillance activities. Of ten vector taxa investigated, records were most numerous for mosquitoes (Culicidae; 23,018 records, 222 species) and ticks (Ixodida; 16,214 records, 87 species), with most data from 2019–2020. Case studies were performed to assess whether images associated with records were of sufficient quality to identify species and compare iNaturalist observations of vector species to the known situation at the state, national and regional level based on existing published data. Firstly, tick data collected at the national (United Kingdom) or state (Minnesota, USA) level were sufficient to determine seasonal occurrence and distribution patterns of important tick species, and were able to corroborate and complement known trends in tick distribution. Importantly, tick species with expanding distributions (Haemaphysalis punctata in the UK, and Amblyomma americanum in Minnesota) were also detected. Secondly, using iNaturalist data to monitor expanding tick species in Europe (Hyalomma spp.) and the USA (Haemaphysalis longicornis), and invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Europe, showed potential for tracking these species within their known range as well as identifying possible areas of expansion. Despite known limitations associated with crowdsourced data, this study shows that iNaturalist can be a valuable source of information on vector distribution and seasonality that could be used to supplement existing vector surveillance data, especially at a time when many surveillance programs may have been interrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.

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First hemispheric report of invasive tick species Haemaphysalis punctata, first state report of Haemaphysalis longicornis, and range expansion of native tick species in Rhode Island, USA

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04887-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Danielle M. Tufts ◽

Maria A. Diuk-Wasser

Keyword(s):

Rhode Island ◽

Range Expansion ◽

Tick Species ◽

Western Hemisphere ◽

Avian Host ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

New Locations ◽

The Usa ◽

Haemaphysalis Punctata ◽

Block Island

Abstract Background Invasive arthropod vectors and the range expansions of native vectors can lead to public and veterinary health concerns, as these vectors may introduce novel pathogens or spread endemic pathogens to new locations. Recent tick invasions and range expansion in the USA has been attributed to climate and land use change, an increase in global travel, and importations of exotic animals. Methods A 10-year surveillance study was conducted on Block Island, Rhode Island, from 2010 to 2020 including sampling ticks from small mammal and avian hosts. Results We report the discovery and establishment of the red sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) for the first time in the western hemisphere and in the US. This invasive species was first collected in 2010 on Block Island, was collected continuously throughout the study, and was collected from an avian host. We document the first report of the invasive Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in the state of Rhode Island, first observed at our sites in 2018. Finally, we present data on the range expansion and establishment of two native tick species, the lone star tick and the rabbit tick, on Block Island. Conclusion This study emphasized the importance of long-term surveillance to detect changes in tick host communities, including invasive and expanding native vectors of potential significance to humans and wildlife. Graphical abstract

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Show us your ticks: a survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats across the USA

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-019-3847-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Meriam N. Saleh ◽

Kellee D. Sundstrom ◽

Kathryn T. Duncan ◽

Michelle M. Ientile ◽

Julia Jordy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Large Scale ◽

Attachment Site ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

Dermacentor Variabilis ◽

Amblyomma Americanum ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

Attachment Sites ◽

The Usa ◽

Head Neck

Abstract Background A variety of tick species infest dogs and cats in North America. Although most of these species also readily feed on people, national data regarding the species and abundance of ticks on dogs and cats are lacking. Here we report a large-scale study of ticks from dogs and cats in the USA over a 12-month period. Methods Tick submissions were invited from veterinary practices in all 50 states. Ticks were submitted with information about the pet and the attachment sites of each tick marked on a biopsy chart. Upon receipt, ticks were identified to species and stage using morphologic keys; when necessary, species identification was confirmed molecularly. Results From February 2018 through January 2019, 10,978 ticks were submitted from 1494 dogs and 336 cats in 49 states and ticks were collected in every month. Dog and cat infestation intensities ranged from 1 to 4765 and from 1 to 38 (median = 1, mean = 6.7 and 2.6), respectively. Dogs were primarily infested with Dermacentor variabilis (532/1494; 35.6%), Ixodes scapularis (409/1494; 27.4%), Amblyomma americanum (345/1494; 23.1%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (172/1494; 11.5%). Cats were primarily infested with I. scapularis (156/336; 46.4%), A. americanum (99/336; 29.5%) and D. variabilis (60/336; 17.9%). Other submitted ticks included A. maculatum, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Otobius megnini, and less common Dermacentor spp. and Ixodes spp. Co-infestations were documented in 93 dogs and 14 cats. Reported attachment sites of common tick species differed. In dogs, A. americanum was most commonly attached to the abdomen, axillary, and inguinal regions; D. variabilis and I. scapularis to the head, neck, and back; and R. sanguineus to the head, neck, abdomen, legs, and feet. In cats, I. scapularis was most commonly attached to the head and A. americanum was most commonly attached to the tail and perianal region. Conclusions These data confirm that dogs and cats in the USA are at risk of tick infestation throughout the year and that tick species present in the region have apparent attachment site preferences.

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Seasonal Activity of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Southern New York State

Journal of Medical Entomology ◽

10.1093/jme/tjaa203 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nicholas P Piedmonte ◽

Vanessa C Vinci ◽

Thomas J Daniels ◽

Bryon P Backenson ◽

Richard C Falco

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

New York ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

New York State ◽

The United States ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

Seasonal Activity ◽

Eastern Asia ◽

Short Life ◽

Human Bite

Abstract The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, is a species native to eastern Asia that has recently been discovered in the United States. In its native range, H. longicornis transmits pathogens that cause disease in humans and livestock. It is currently unknown whether H. longicornis will act as a vector in the United States. Understanding its seasonal activity patterns will be important in identifying which times of the year represent greatest potential risk to humans and livestock should this species become a threat to animal or public health. A study site was established in Yonkers, NY near the residence associated with the first reported human bite from H. longicornis in the United States. Ticks were collected once each week from July 2018 to November 2019. Haemaphysalis longicornis larvae were most active from August to November, nymphs from April to July, and adult females from June to September. This pattern of activity suggests that H. longicornis is capable of completing a generation within a single year and matches the patterns observed in its other ranges in the northern hemisphere. The data presented here contribute to a growing database for H. longicornis phenology in the northeastern United States. Potential implications of the short life cycle for the tick’s vectorial capacity are discussed.

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First record of Pachycrocuta brevirostris (Gervais, 1850) from Ukraine on the background of the European occurrence of the species

Journal of Iberian Geology ◽

10.1007/s41513-021-00164-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Adrian Marciszak ◽

Yuriy Semenov ◽

Piotr Portnicki ◽

Tamara Derkach

Keyword(s):

Body Size ◽

First Record ◽

The Body ◽

Crocuta Crocuta ◽

Early Pleistocene ◽

Eastern Asia ◽

South Eastern

AbstractCranial material ofPachycrocuta brevirostrisfrom the late Early Pleistocene site of Nogaisk is the first record of this species in Ukraine. This large hyena was a representative of the Tamanian faunal complex and a single specialised scavenger in these faunas. The revisited European records list ofP.brevirostrisdocumented the presence of this species in 101 sites, dated in the range of 3.5–0.4 Ma. This species first disappeared in Africa, survived in Europe until ca. 0.8–0.7 Ma, and its last, relict occurrence was known from south-eastern Asia. The main reason of extinction ofP.brevirostrisprobably was the competition withCrocuta crocuta. The cave hyena was smaller, but its teeth were proportionally larger to the body size, better adapted to crushing bones and slicing meat, and could also hunt united in larger groups.

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Nationwide Temporal and Geographical Distribution of Tick Populations and Phylogenetic Analysis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Ticks in Korea, 2020

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9081630 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1630

Author(s):

Min-Goo Seo ◽

Byung-Eon Noh ◽

Hak Seon Lee ◽

Tae-Kyu Kim ◽

Bong-Goo Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Amblyomma Testudinarium ◽

High Degree ◽

Severe Fever ◽

Minimum Infection Rate

Since 2010, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has established centers at 16 locations to monitor disease vectors and pathogens. Here, we examined tick populations to understand the geographical and temporal distribution of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) vectors in 2020. From April to November, 63,376 ticks were collected from traps to monitor tick populations, with a trap index of 41.3. Tick incidence varied from April to October, with population peaks observed for nymphs in May, adults in July, and larvae in September. The predominant tick species were Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis spp., H. flava, Ixodes spp., Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes nipponensis. Approximately 50% of the collected ticks were pooled into 2973 groups to detect the rate of SFTSV infection in ticks. The minimum infection rate (MIR) of SFTSV was 0.2%, and Andong had the highest MIR for SFTSV (4.0%). The B3 genotype was the most prevalent (52.2%) followed by B2 (28.6%), B5 (15.9%), B4 (1.6%), and B6 (1.6%). We identified widely distributed tick species and a high degree of diversity in SFTSV strains in ticks from different geographical regions. The results may provide a basis for future epidemiological studies and risk assessments for tick-borne diseases.

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First Hemispheric Report of Invasive Tick Species Haemaphysalis Punctata Canestrini Et Fanzago, 1878, First State Report of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Neumann, and Range Expansion of Native Tick Species in Rhode Island, USA

10.21203/rs.3.rs-359304/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Danielle M Tufts ◽

Maria A Diuk-Wasser

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Rhode Island ◽

Range Expansion ◽

Tick Species ◽

The United States ◽

Western Hemisphere ◽

Avian Host ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

New Locations ◽

Block Island

Abstract Invasive arthropod vectors and the range expansions of native vectors can lead to public and veterinary health concerns, as these vectors may introduce novel pathogens or spread endemic pathogens to new locations. Recent tick invasions and range expansion in the United States has been attributed to climate and land use change, an increase in global travel, and importations of exotic animals. A 10 year surveillance study was conducted on Block Island, Rhode Island from 2010–2020 including sampling ticks from small mammal and avian hosts. We report the discovery and establishment of the red sheep tick for the first time in the western hemisphere and in the United States. This invasive species was first collected in 2010 on Block Island, was collected continuously throughout the study, and was collected from an avian host. We document the first report of the invasive Asian longhorned tick in the state of Rhode Island, first observed at our sites in 2018. Finally, we present data on the range expansion and establishment of two native tick species, the lone star tick and the rabbit tick on Block Island. This study emphasized the importance of long-term surveillance to detect changes in tick host communities, including invasive and expanding native vectors of potential significance to humans and wildlife.

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First record of Tomato chlorotic spot virus in the USA

Tropical Plant Pathology ◽

10.1590/s1982-56762012005000001 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 37 (5) ◽

pp. 333-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Aurora Londoño ◽

Heather Capobianco ◽

Shouan Zhang ◽

Jane E. Polston

Keyword(s):

First Record ◽

Spot Virus ◽

Chlorotic Spot ◽

The Usa

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Primeiro relato de Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) em girinos e rãs recém-metamorfoseadas em populações selvagens de Lithobates catesbeianus (Anura: Ranidae) na Argentina

Phyllomedusa Journal of Herpetology ◽

10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v15i1p43-50 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 43 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zulma A. Salinas ◽

Fernanda G. Biolé ◽

Pablo R. Grenat ◽

Favio E. Pollo ◽

Nancy E. Sala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Invasive Species ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

First Record ◽

Parasitic Infestation ◽

Anuran Larvae ◽

Lithobates Catesbeianus ◽

Secondary Infections ◽

Lernaea Cyprinacea

Lernaea cyprinacea is an ectoparasitic copepod that can result in the mortality of the host by causing hemorrhages, ulcerations, and secondary infections. Lernaea cyprinacea is widely distributed in Argentina. Previous reports are restricted almost exclusively to cases of parasitism in fishes; copepod parasitism of anuran larvae is rarely documented. This is the first record and description of the parasitic infestation of L. cyprinacaea on tadpoles of the exotic and invasive species Lithobates catesbeianus in Argentina. A total of 15 tadpoles and 21 newly-metamorphosed individuals of L. catesbeianus were collected from the mountain town of Río de los Sauces, and 12 tadpoles from the Toledo Stream. A maximum of two parasites per host was found, principally in the cloaca. Clinical symptoms of inflammation hemorrhage and ulcers in the skin with mucus formation in the attachment area of parasites were observed.

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Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato(Ixodidae) in synantropic rodents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612014027 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 276-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kathleen Tavares Winkel ◽

Paulo Bretanha Ribeiro ◽

Lidiane Oliveira Antunes ◽

Marcial Corrêa Cárcamo ◽

Élvia Elena Silveira Vianna

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Tick Species ◽

Rattus Rattus ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽

First Record ◽

Human Beings ◽

Rio Grande Do Sul ◽

Port Area ◽

Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Sensu Lato

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is responsible for maintaining and transmitting various pathogens, both in animals and human beings, and it is of great sanitary importance. This communication reports the first occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato parasitizing Rattus norvegicus in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and it is also the first record of this tick species parasitizing Rattus rattus in Brazil. The rodents were captured from the port area, located in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected 6 larvae of this tick species from 2 male R. rattus individuals, and 3 larvae from 2 female R. norvegicus individuals; parasitized specimens of both rodent species were captured from different sites within the experimental area. This record broadens the number of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato hosts in urban areas, indicating the need for continued monitoring on population density for both R. sanguineus and synanthropic rodents.

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