(CHAMPAIGN) The invasive Asian Longhorned Tick has recently been detected in a new county in Illinois, representing the third county in which the pest has been found following its first detection last year in 2024. The most recent finding was from Clay County cattle brought to a Marion County collection station. The U of I Extension says the detection was a result of a community-engaged program focused on tracking the range expansions and potential introductions of invasive tick species by soliciting ticks from the public, as well as working with livestock producers to collect ticks from farm animals. The discovery of the invasive tick in another county shows the pest is on the move across the state and officials say if the ticks are suspected, producers should contact their local U of I Extension Office.
