Resources for More Information
Asian Longhorned Tick (MDARD)
Asian Longhorned Ticks (USDA-APHIS)
The Longhorned Tick: What You Need to Know Story Map (USDA-APHIS)
Ticks and Your Health (MDHHS)
Like other animal health professionals, the MSU VDL has been closely following the emergence and spread of Asian longhorned ticks since their initial detection on the East Coast in 2017. We have previously identified Asian longhorned ticks in submissions from outside Michigan and routinely perform tick identification and testing to identify pathogens carried by ticks for clients across Michigan and nationwide.
Who Can Submit Ticks to the VDL for Testing or Identification?
Ticks can be submitted to the MSU VDL by veterinarians and owners of livestock or other production animals. Companion animal and horse owners should work with their veterinarian for tick submissions.
Submit only ticks removed from animals or areas frequented by animals. Ticks removed from humans will not be accepted. The MSU VDL does not test specimens derived from humans.
Tick Testing Options
- Tick PCR (60065): identifies specific infectious agents carried by the tick (Babesia, Borrelia (Lyme), Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia)
- Tick Identification (60066)
Please refer to the test catalog for additional information and collection protocol details. Be sure to indicate the number of ticks submittend and any recent travel history on the submittal form.
Page published: June 13, 2025