Keskin A, Doi K.
Discovery of the potentially invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), in Türkiye: an unexpected finding through citizen science. Exp Appl Acarol. 2025;94:47. doi:10.1007/s10493-025-01015-9
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornus, is native to East Asia but has established invasive populations in Australia and the Western Pacific, and more recently in the United States. Since its first detection in the U.S., it has rapidly expanded its range, and by the end of 2024, it had been reported in 21 states. Its primary hosts include livestock such as goats, sheep, cattle, and horses, although it is also known to infest humans. One key factor contributing to its rapid spread is the presence of a parthenogenetic strain, which allows for the establishment of fast-growing populations without the need for mating. In the United States, all known invasive H. longicornus populations are parthenogenetic, while endemic populations in Asia exhibit both bisexual and parthenogenetic reproductive modes. This tick species is known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.
Recent morphological and genetic analyses of ticks collected from a dog in the European part of the Istanbul metropolitan area revealed the presence of female H. longicornus specimens. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from one of these female ticks showed a 99.78% similarity to an isolate from Nanjing, China, and a 99% similarity to other Chinese sequences.
This marks the first detection of H. longicornus in Turkey, specifically in its European region. A major concern is whether the parthenogenetic strain has already become established in local populations—a scenario of particular relevance given the widespread practice of natural livestock grazing in Turkey. Ecological niche modeling studies have recently identified several suitable habitat zones for H. longicornus across Europe, underscoring the potential for further spread and establishment of this invasive species.