Exotic tick spotted in Maryland, Virginia may be spreading, CDC says

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The Asian longhorned tick - which has been spotted in Virginia and Maryland, and seven other states - may be spreading, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC says it is studying the pest, which can cause massive infestations on animals, people, and the environment.

In contrast to most tick species, a single female tick can reproduce offspring without mating at a rate of 1 to 2,000 eggs at a time, according to the CDC.

"The full public health and agricultural impact of this tick discovery and spread is unknown. In other parts of the world, the Asian longhorned tick can transmit many types of pathogens common in the United States," said Deputy Director of the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases Ben Beard.

In other parts of the world where the Asian longhorned tick is common, it is a serious threat to livestock.

In some regions of New Zealand and Australia, this tick can reduce production in dairy cattle by 25 percent, the CDC reports.

Other states where the tick has been spotted include New Jersey, Arkansas, Connecticut, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

More information on the tick and how to combat it can be found on the CDC's website.