The invasive longhorned tick is spreading across Missouri and threatening cattle herds

The longhorned tick has only been in Missouri for a couple of years, but it is already spreading across the state and can carry a disease that can infect cattle. There are currently no known treatments or vaccines for the disease, and it could cost ranchers a lot of money.
An invasive tick that can do severe damage to commercial cattle herds is showing up in new places across Missouri.

Researchers at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine have found longhorned ticks in Boone County, the first confirmed sighting of the member of the arachnid class in central Missouri.