Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture announced on May 15 that they will host a free webinar on May 22 to discuss the prevalence of Theileria, a tick-borne pathogen affecting cattle, and the Asian longhorned tick, which is known to carry it.
The upcoming event aims to inform cattle producers, veterinarians, and industry professionals about recent increases in both tick populations and confirmed cases of theileriosis in Arkansas. Organizers say early detection and management are key to reducing potential economic losses for livestock operations.
The session will be led by Kelly Loftin, extension entomologist, and Kirsten Midkiff, extension animal health and wellbeing specialist. They plan to share updated information about locations where both the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) and Theileria orientalis Ikeda have been found in Arkansas counties. “When we held our first Theileria/Asian longhorned tick webinar in May 2024, two counties had confirmed cases of theileriosis genotype Ikeda, and two had established Asian longhorned tick populations,” Loftin said. “Now we are at 15 counties with confirmed T. orientalis Ikeda and 10 with established Asian longhorned tick populations. We anticipate that these numbers will grow.” There will also be a question-and-answer period featuring veterinarians discussing their experiences with the disease.
Midkiff said symptoms of theileriosis in cattle often resemble those caused by anaplasmosis—a bacterial disease familiar to many producers—including weight loss, reduced milk production, appetite loss, anemia and reproductive issues. “Both tick populations and confirmed theileriosis cases have increased substantially over the last two years,” Midkiff said. “This webinar will provide the latest information about the Asian Longhorned tick and the T. orientalis Ikeda while also offering valuable insight into cases veterinarians may be encountering in their clinics.” She added: “Cattle producers, veterinarians, industry professionals and others are encouraged to attend to understand the growing threat posed by the Asian Longhorned tick and theileriosis…”
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service operates across all 75 counties using county offices as well as research centers for program delivery; it is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture according to its official website. The service receives funding through federal grants from U.S. Department of Agriculture along with state appropriations; it supports rural as well as urban communities through various programs aimed at strengthening agriculture, families and social cohesion according to its official website.
Registration for this educational session is available online at no cost.
