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The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Tennessee Department of Health, and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) has announced the detection of the invasive Asian longhorned tick in Tennessee. The Asian longhorned tick has now spread to 11 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there is no evidence that the tick has transmitted pathogens to humans or animals in the U.S. Two Asian longhorned ticks were recently found on a dog in Union County, and five were found on a cow in Roane County. In the U.S., the tick has been reported on 17 different mammal species.

Several tick species spread diseases to humans, including American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus), and lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum). With international trade transporting arthropods among continents, warming temperatures expanding habitable ranges, changes in land use, and increases in host populations, invasive tick species are a growing problem in North America. And, when invasive tick species do become established, they raise the concern of spreading diseases to humans, pets, and livestock. Over 100 tick species from other countries have arrived in the continental U.S. already.

See also: For more information about Invasive Tree Pests (insects and diseases) that are not native to Missouri

See also: Forest Invasive Pests for more resources

On August 5, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) received notification from a local wholesale aquarium company in Renton of possible invasive freshwater mussels on a shipment of Marimo moss balls (Aegagropila linnaei). Moss balls are a commonly used decorative algae in aquariums and water gardens. Lab testing confirmed the mussels were zebra mussels (Dreisena polymorpha), a prohibited aquatic invasive species in Washington that, if established in local waters, would be capable of causing significant infrastructure and environmental damage. Zebra mussels and a close relative, the quagga mussel, are not known to be established in Washington.

Idaho watercraft inspectors have identified zebra mussels on a commercially hauled sailboat destined for Lake Coeur d’Alene in the state’s northern panhandle, marking the first time the invasive species has been found live this year.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced today that zebra mussels, a harmful invasive aquatic species, have been identified in an Iredell County waterbody. This is the first time this species has been identified in the wild in North Carolina. On Thursday, September 21, 2023, NCWRC, with assistance from scuba divers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, investigated and confirmed a report of zebra mussels in a quarry on private property. NCWRC believes the mussels are contained to the quarry and is working on options for treatment while continuing its investigation.

To report suspected zebra mussels, please contact the NCWRC's district fisheries biologist offices. Visit NCWRC's aquatic nuisance species webpage for guidance on disinfecting snorkel and SCUBA gear and for more information on zebra mussels.