CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Asian longhorned tick, an invasive species, has been discovered in Massachusetts, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health and agriculture.

The tick, which has been spreading throughout New England, is known to potentially carry bacteria that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious illness transmitted through tick bites. However, ticks found in the U.S. have not yet been found to carry this particular bacterium.

"The females of the species do not require the male to make eggs. You can have one hitch-hiking female, and the problem is massive as far as hitchhiking; it doesn't need a male and reproduces on its own," said Natasha Wright from Braman Termite & Pest Elimination.

The Asian longhorned tick poses a threat to livestock and pet

See Full Page