The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting the first detection of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) in the state.
Two ALHT nymphs were found through routine tick surveillance efforts, which were being conducted at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County by Calvin University. The specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and confirmed as ALHT on June 11.
While the tick poses a potential disease risk to all mammals and birds, the impact to livestock (specifically cattle) is a major concern. Owners are urged to work with their veterinarian to treat their animals for ticks, perform regular tick checks, and keep pastures and lawns mowed and clear of brush to help keep their animals safe and healthy.
“This discovery highlights the value of the contributions from our academic partners and the necessity of our continued collaboration to protect animal health throughout Michigan,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “By knowing this species of tick is in our state, we will increase our educational outreach to producers, animal owners, and animal health professionals so we can all do our part to safeguard animal and public health.”
“Calvin research students have been studying the ecology and distribution of ticks in West Michigan since 2020. The students worked with our close partners at Michigan State University and collaborating state agencies to initially identify these ticks as nymphal longhorned ticks,” said Dr. William Miller, a certified wildlife biologist and assistant professor of biology at Calvin. “Since the longhorned tick is an agricultural pest of concern, our research team is continuing surveillance in the region to identify the potential distribution of the species, which will help to define the risk it poses to livestock.”
While native to east Asia, the ALHT (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States – including Indiana and Ohio. The ticks can be transported through the movement of animals, people, equipment, etc.
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What does it look like?
ALHTs are light brown in color and can easily be mistaken for other tick species. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small, about the size of a sesame seed or even smaller.
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What are the health risks?
ALHTs have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.
Even though this tick is not known to carry Lyme disease, they are capable of causing tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals, such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus.
However, those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the United States.
ALHTs collected in other parts of the country have been found to carry Theileria orientalis, one of the pathogens that cause bovine theileriosis - which is a reportable animal disease.
Since female ALHTs can reproduce without mating and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, the ticks have been known to form large infestations on one animal, causing stress and reducing its growth and production. A severe infestation can even kill an animal due to blood loss.
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What can I do?
For domestic animals, taking preventative measures and being vigilant are the best ways to protect against ALHTs and any other species of tick. Some of these strategies include:
• Having regular tick treatments. Contact your veterinarian for more information about tick prevention for your animals.
• Performing a tick check. Look around their eyes, ears, limbs, tail, and toes for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.
•Practicing tick prevention on pastures and lawns. Keep tall grass trimmed back along buildings and property edges, mow lawns, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers to help make spaces tick safe.
• Sending in ticks for identification. If you find an unusual-looking tick and/or think you have found on ALHT, please send it in to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Instructions can be found on Michigan’s Emerging Diseases website at michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/ticks.
Overall, if you have any questions regarding the health of your animals, please consult your veterinarian.
To learn more about the ALHT, where they have been found in the United States, and general preventative strategies, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website or MDARD’s website (michigan.gov/mdard/animals/ diseases/asian-longhorned-tick).
For more on ticks and tickborne diseases in Michigan as well as instructions for submitting ticks for identification, visit the Emerging Diseases website.
Two ALHT nymphs were found through routine tick surveillance efforts, which were being conducted at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County by Calvin University. The specimens were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and confirmed as ALHT on June 11.
While the tick poses a potential disease risk to all mammals and birds, the impact to livestock (specifically cattle) is a major concern. Owners are urged to work with their veterinarian to treat their animals for ticks, perform regular tick checks, and keep pastures and lawns mowed and clear of brush to help keep their animals safe and healthy.
“This discovery highlights the value of the contributions from our academic partners and the necessity of our continued collaboration to protect animal health throughout Michigan,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “By knowing this species of tick is in our state, we will increase our educational outreach to producers, animal owners, and animal health professionals so we can all do our part to safeguard animal and public health.”
“Calvin research students have been studying the ecology and distribution of ticks in West Michigan since 2020. The students worked with our close partners at Michigan State University and collaborating state agencies to initially identify these ticks as nymphal longhorned ticks,” said Dr. William Miller, a certified wildlife biologist and assistant professor of biology at Calvin. “Since the longhorned tick is an agricultural pest of concern, our research team is continuing surveillance in the region to identify the potential distribution of the species, which will help to define the risk it poses to livestock.”
While native to east Asia, the ALHT (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern United States – including Indiana and Ohio. The ticks can be transported through the movement of animals, people, equipment, etc.
—————
What does it look like?
ALHTs are light brown in color and can easily be mistaken for other tick species. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small, about the size of a sesame seed or even smaller.
—————
What are the health risks?
ALHTs have been found on various species of domestic animals (such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens) and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.
Even though this tick is not known to carry Lyme disease, they are capable of causing tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals, such as: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, heartland virus, and Powassan virus.
However, those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the United States.
ALHTs collected in other parts of the country have been found to carry Theileria orientalis, one of the pathogens that cause bovine theileriosis - which is a reportable animal disease.
Since female ALHTs can reproduce without mating and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, the ticks have been known to form large infestations on one animal, causing stress and reducing its growth and production. A severe infestation can even kill an animal due to blood loss.
—————
What can I do?
For domestic animals, taking preventative measures and being vigilant are the best ways to protect against ALHTs and any other species of tick. Some of these strategies include:
• Having regular tick treatments. Contact your veterinarian for more information about tick prevention for your animals.
• Performing a tick check. Look around their eyes, ears, limbs, tail, and toes for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.
•Practicing tick prevention on pastures and lawns. Keep tall grass trimmed back along buildings and property edges, mow lawns, remove brush and leaf litter, and create mulch barriers to help make spaces tick safe.
• Sending in ticks for identification. If you find an unusual-looking tick and/or think you have found on ALHT, please send it in to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Instructions can be found on Michigan’s Emerging Diseases website at michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/ticks.
Overall, if you have any questions regarding the health of your animals, please consult your veterinarian.
To learn more about the ALHT, where they have been found in the United States, and general preventative strategies, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website or MDARD’s website (michigan.gov/mdard/animals/ diseases/asian-longhorned-tick).
For more on ticks and tickborne diseases in Michigan as well as instructions for submitting ticks for identification, visit the Emerging Diseases website.
SBA Grants Disaster Declaration Request for Northern Michigan
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and the contiguous counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle, which unlocks financial assistance to repair or replace property damaged by the historic ice storms.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the SBA’s decision on June 11.
“Northern Michigan was hit hard by this historic ice storm, but we are strong, and we will rebuild together,” Whitmer said. “Every step of the way, we’re working side by side with local leaders and federal partners to deliver real relief, and this SBA declaration will help us get communities and small businesses back on their feet. We’ll keep doing the work, together, until the job is done.”
A devastating ice storm resulted in severe ice accumulation in northern Michigan March 28-30. The storm caused widespread, long-term power outages, fuel shortages, communications disruptions, hazardous road conditions, and the accumulation of significant vegetative debris.
In several counties, 100 percent of electrical customers were without power for extended periods. Damage to both public infrastructure and private property was so severe that the National Weather Service considers this storm one of the most significant ice events ever to impact the region.
The SBA disaster assistance program makes low-interest loans available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by a historic ice storm that knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. This is the second use of an SBA rapid declaration in the state of Michigan in less than a year, highlighting Michigan as a leading state in the nation for recovery efforts.
“This spring’s devastating ice storm disrupted the lives and livelihoods of folks across Northern Michigan. That’s why I led a bipartisan letter to the Small Business Administration calling on them to deliver these much-needed resources to our communities,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said.
“This is a meaningful step forward for Northern Michigan and the U.P. The SBA’s approval means families and small businesses can now access low-interest loans to help recover from the damage caused by this historic ice storm,” U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “But this is just one piece of the puzzle – there’s still more work ahead to fully rebuild and strengthen our communities. We’ll keep pushing to make sure no one is left behind in the recovery process.”
The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
“This ice storm caused widespread damage across dozens of communities, and recovery doesn’t end when the power comes back on,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “The SBA disaster declaration is an important step forward in providing long-term support to the residents and business owners who were impacted. Our focus remains on helping communities recover safely, completely, and without delay.”
“We are so thankful to everyone throughout the state and across the country who stepped up to help Northern Michigan weather this ice storm,” said state Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “Restoration and relief efforts will be ongoing for a long time, and federal approval for this SBA loan program is an important first step towards funding assistance for the residents and businesses that lost so much.”
Types of Disaster Loans are Available
• Business Physical Disaster Loans- Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans- Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
• Home Disaster Loans- Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
The SBA will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the impacted areas for one-on-one assistance. Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-
interest SBA loans or the application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955.
On May 16, Gov. Whitmer requested that President Donald J. Trump declare a major disaster in to support recovery from the ice storm. The governor requested activation of all areas of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle, as well as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She also requested activation of the Public Assistance program for the above counties and tribal nation, in addition to Kalkaska and Mackinac counties. This federal disaster request is still pending.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the SBA’s decision on June 11.
“Northern Michigan was hit hard by this historic ice storm, but we are strong, and we will rebuild together,” Whitmer said. “Every step of the way, we’re working side by side with local leaders and federal partners to deliver real relief, and this SBA declaration will help us get communities and small businesses back on their feet. We’ll keep doing the work, together, until the job is done.”
A devastating ice storm resulted in severe ice accumulation in northern Michigan March 28-30. The storm caused widespread, long-term power outages, fuel shortages, communications disruptions, hazardous road conditions, and the accumulation of significant vegetative debris.
In several counties, 100 percent of electrical customers were without power for extended periods. Damage to both public infrastructure and private property was so severe that the National Weather Service considers this storm one of the most significant ice events ever to impact the region.
The SBA disaster assistance program makes low-interest loans available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by a historic ice storm that knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. This is the second use of an SBA rapid declaration in the state of Michigan in less than a year, highlighting Michigan as a leading state in the nation for recovery efforts.
“This spring’s devastating ice storm disrupted the lives and livelihoods of folks across Northern Michigan. That’s why I led a bipartisan letter to the Small Business Administration calling on them to deliver these much-needed resources to our communities,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said.
“This is a meaningful step forward for Northern Michigan and the U.P. The SBA’s approval means families and small businesses can now access low-interest loans to help recover from the damage caused by this historic ice storm,” U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “But this is just one piece of the puzzle – there’s still more work ahead to fully rebuild and strengthen our communities. We’ll keep pushing to make sure no one is left behind in the recovery process.”
The SBA disaster assistance program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory, and business assets that were damaged or destroyed. The SBA tailors the repayment of each disaster loan to the borrower’s financial capability.
“This ice storm caused widespread damage across dozens of communities, and recovery doesn’t end when the power comes back on,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “The SBA disaster declaration is an important step forward in providing long-term support to the residents and business owners who were impacted. Our focus remains on helping communities recover safely, completely, and without delay.”
“We are so thankful to everyone throughout the state and across the country who stepped up to help Northern Michigan weather this ice storm,” said state Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “Restoration and relief efforts will be ongoing for a long time, and federal approval for this SBA loan program is an important first step towards funding assistance for the residents and businesses that lost so much.”
Types of Disaster Loans are Available
• Business Physical Disaster Loans- Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans- Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
• Home Disaster Loans- Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
The SBA will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in the impacted areas for one-on-one assistance. Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-
interest SBA loans or the application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955.
On May 16, Gov. Whitmer requested that President Donald J. Trump declare a major disaster in to support recovery from the ice storm. The governor requested activation of all areas of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle, as well as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She also requested activation of the Public Assistance program for the above counties and tribal nation, in addition to Kalkaska and Mackinac counties. This federal disaster request is still pending.
Rowe: Michiganders Can Make Bank in Trades
By Scott McClallen
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Young Michiganders don’t need to earn a four-year college degree before landing a high-paying job, former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe told around 600 people at a recent event for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
When millennials and those in Generation Z were growing up, older people encouraged young people to attend college, rather than trade schools.
But now, we need plumbers, electricians, and journeymen, Rowe told those assembled.
“They want to tell me about how learning a skill that’s in demand and applying a measure of work ethic to that skill has led them to a place that looks like prosperity,” Rowe said to an audience at “An Evening with the Mackinac Center,” held at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
In which dirty jobs can Michigan residents earn $60,000 per year or more without having to spend four years in a classroom and take out thousands of dollars in student loans?
Michigan offers plenty of well-paying dirty jobs, according to documents obtained through a records request from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Some of the projected high-need, high-wage jobs through 2030 that don’t require a college degree are: software developers, architects, computer and information systems managers, computer information, automotive service techs and mechanics, cement masons and concrete finishers, computer user support specialists, correctional officers and jailers, dental laboratory technicians, excavating and loading machine operators, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, insurance sales agents, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, massage therapists, medical dosimetrists and health technicians, operating engineers, construction and maintenance painters, police and sheriff’s patrol officers, roofers, nontechnical sales representatives and technical and scientific sales representatives.
Michigan is famous for having the Motor City, but vehicles are becoming less important to its economy. In 2000, only Michigan’s finance sector contributed more to the state’s gross domestic product than auto manufacturing. The state produced $56.5 billion in financial industries, and more than the $44.9 billion in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, according to James M. Hohman, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center.
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Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Young Michiganders don’t need to earn a four-year college degree before landing a high-paying job, former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe told around 600 people at a recent event for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
When millennials and those in Generation Z were growing up, older people encouraged young people to attend college, rather than trade schools.
But now, we need plumbers, electricians, and journeymen, Rowe told those assembled.
“They want to tell me about how learning a skill that’s in demand and applying a measure of work ethic to that skill has led them to a place that looks like prosperity,” Rowe said to an audience at “An Evening with the Mackinac Center,” held at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
In which dirty jobs can Michigan residents earn $60,000 per year or more without having to spend four years in a classroom and take out thousands of dollars in student loans?
Michigan offers plenty of well-paying dirty jobs, according to documents obtained through a records request from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Some of the projected high-need, high-wage jobs through 2030 that don’t require a college degree are: software developers, architects, computer and information systems managers, computer information, automotive service techs and mechanics, cement masons and concrete finishers, computer user support specialists, correctional officers and jailers, dental laboratory technicians, excavating and loading machine operators, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, insurance sales agents, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, massage therapists, medical dosimetrists and health technicians, operating engineers, construction and maintenance painters, police and sheriff’s patrol officers, roofers, nontechnical sales representatives and technical and scientific sales representatives.
Michigan is famous for having the Motor City, but vehicles are becoming less important to its economy. In 2000, only Michigan’s finance sector contributed more to the state’s gross domestic product than auto manufacturing. The state produced $56.5 billion in financial industries, and more than the $44.9 billion in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, according to James M. Hohman, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center.
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Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
