Speaking to Today.com, James Lok, professor of parasitology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, stated that the tick has already managed to migrate from its native Asia to Australia and New Zealand, and that crossing the Delaware River and thriving in other states will be no problem for this hardy insect. "I would be surprised if it does not spread out of New Jersey quickly," added Lok.
The East Asian tick possesses a number of unique survival mechanisms that allow it to live under almost any condition. Firstly, these insects don't need to mate: The female East Asian tick is fully capable of reproducing on its own (asexual reproduction) – a single, female East Asian tick can lay upwards of a thousand eggs. Secondly, this insect has no preferences when it comes to carriers. Deer, sheep, cow, mice, and humans are all fair game to the East Asian tick at any stage of its life cycle.
Adding to the growing concerns is the fact that the tick can host and transmit all manner of diseases. Apart from Lyme disease, it remains to be seen what other kinds of North American diseases the East Asian tick can spread. In Asia, the insect has been linked to anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).
Of these diseases, SFTS has yet to be seen in North America. This disease is characterized by a low blood platelet count. Its symptoms range from diarrhea to lymph node disease to conjunctival congestion, and some cases have resulted in death.
"It’s got a pretty terrible track record in China, Japan and recently in New Zealand and Australia. And it’s not a stretch to assume it would be able to transmit the related diseases in North America," said Lok.
Fortunately, the ticks that were found in Hunterdon County tested negative for the three aforementioned diseases. Moreover, standard insecticides appear to be effective at controlling East Asian tick numbers. Still, experts have emphasized the need to remain vigilant and follow all of the necessary preventive measures. (Related: Scientists are closer to developing a cure for Lyme disease as they discover how bacteria fight our immune responses.)
These include tick-proofing one's yard, a process that involves numerous steps such as:
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