Longhorned tick found in 3 areas of Missouri

 Invasive pest is of concern to cattle producers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri researchers are tracking the invasive longhorned tick, which causes weight loss, lost pregnancies and even death in cattle.

Researchers from the MU College of Veterinary Medicine found the tick on a Linn County pasture in August 2022. The finding marks the northernmost appearance of the tick in Missouri. It also appeared in June 2021 near Springfield.

Found in 17 states since 2017, the longhorned tick is a significant concern for cattle producers, says Rosalie Ierardi, an anatomic pathologist at the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Hundreds of the ticks can attach to a single animal, causing irritation and significant blood loss.

Ierardi says the tick can spread quickly. Females produce up to 2,000 eggs at a time. Since females can reproduce without mating with males, a single female can introduce a population of ticks into a new area.

The biggest reason veterinarians are concerned about this tick is that it transmits a parasite of cattle, Theileria orientalis Ikeda, which destroys red blood cells. Symptoms include jaundice, weakness and spontaneous abortions. The symptoms closely resemble those of bovine anaplasmosis, which is widespread in Missouri. A blood test is needed to tell the two diseases apart.

“Currently, there is no approved treatment for Theileria orientalis Ikeda,” says Ierardi. “Management typically focuses on reducing tick numbers and minimizing the impact of stress and other health issues that may affect a cow’s ability to mount a strong immune response.”

Producers can reduce risk by keeping cattle away from wooded areas and other habitats where ticks live, and clearing weeds and brush regularly. Consider inspecting cattle for ticks during handling events, says Ierardi. Livestock markets may provide opportunities for spread, so checking and/or treating new introductions is especially important. For specific herd health advice, consult a veterinarian.

Native to Korea, China, Japan and eastern Russia, the longhorned tick has been well-established as an invasive species in Australia and New Zealand since the 1950s.

The longhorned tick will continue to spread within North America in the coming years, leading to increased transmission diseases to cattle and possibly also to humans, according to Ierardi’s Ph.D. adviser, Ram Raghavan.

Raghavan, an MU professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Health Professions, has tracked the spread of ticks in the U.S. for more than 15 years. He predicted which areas of the U.S. would be suitable for establishment of the invasive longhorned tick in a 2019 study. This has been supported by real-world data over the last several years.

Like other ticks, the longhorned tick can easily travel unnoticed on livestock, humans and pets. Hosts include cattle, deer, dogs, humans, raccoons, opossums and other domestic and wild animals.

Although the longhorned tick transmits several human diseases in the regions where it originated, there is no evidence at this time that they transmit any human diseases in the United States, says Ierardi. Laboratory studies show that the tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever; researchers are studying the tick closely to learn more about how to manage this potential risk.

Strategies to avoid being bitten by the longhorned tick are the same as those for other ticks. Learn more from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/ticks. If you think you may have found an invasive tick, contact your local veterinarian, extension specialist or health department for assistance to have the tick identified.

Major warm up mid week

 Partly cloudy skies today won't be too successful in holding temperatures back. We should get around 80 degrees this afternoon, the warmest will be the Kansas side.

WEDNESDAY is the warmest so far this year for most of our areas. I think central Kansas stands the greatest chance of getting to 90 on Wednesday afternoon.

But the rest of us won't be too far behind.

Greg @ 660 Weather

Workplace wellness tips from the Bates County Extension Office

Did you know that about one in five U.S. adults faces a mental health issue every year? Accessing care can be tough, especially in rural areas.

To promote mental well-being at work, MU Extension has shared ten simple strategies to support your coworkers.

1. Encourage breaks. Invite someone for a “walk-and-talk.”

2. Learn to say no. Respect boundaries.

3. Set an example. Show kindness to inspire others.

Read all 10 tips: https://brnw.ch/21wSxlT

Kithcart breaks 60+ year old school record in the 1600 meter race

Rich Hill Tiger Andrew Kithcart, Freshman ran a 4:41.45 in the mile at District Track on Saturday and broke the record set in 1960 by Donald Church, his record was 4:43.60! Congratulations Andre!

Have These Conditions? You Might Have a Stroke

Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital 

These five health conditions increase your risk of having a stroke.

A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of your brain is blocked or reduced, causing brain cells to die. This serious medical emergency can happen suddenly and without warning, but it is often linked to underlying health conditions that increase your chances of having a stroke. Understanding these conditions and managing them properly can significantly lower your stroke risk.

Here are some common health conditions that may raise your stroke risk, as well as what you can do to lower your risk:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too strong. Over time, this added pressure can damage arteries, making them stiff or weak. This damage increases the risk of clots forming or vessels bursting, either of which can lead to a stroke. Since high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular monitoring is essential for early detection and control.
• Diabetes – Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, excess sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, making them more prone to blockages. Additionally, diabetes increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which raise stroke risk. Proper blood sugar management through diet, exercise and medication is crucial for reducing this risk.
• High Cholesterol – Cholesterol is a fatty substance that your body needs in small amounts, but too much of it—especially LDL ("bad") cholesterol—can build up in your arteries. These fatty deposits can narrow or block blood vessels, preventing normal blood flow to the brain. When a blockage occurs, it can cause an ischemic stroke, the most common type. Keeping cholesterol levels in check with a healthy diet, exercise and medication when necessary helps prevent this.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – AFib is an irregular heartbeat that causes blood to pool in the heart instead of flowing smoothly. When blood sits still for too long, clots can form. If a clot breaks free and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow, causing a stroke. People with AFib have a significantly higher risk of stroke, making it crucial to manage this condition with medication and lifestyle changes.
• Obesity – Carrying excess weight puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Each of these conditions independently raises the likelihood of stroke, and when combined, the risk becomes even greater. Losing weight through healthy eating, regular physical activity and medication if needed can improve overall cardiovascular health and lower stroke risk.

How to Lower Your Stroke Risk

Identifying and managing these health conditions is key to preventing a stroke. Regular check-ups, proper medication use and healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, staying active, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can all help lower your risk. Making small but consistent changes can have a big impact on your long-term health and is one of the best ways to lower your stroke risk.

One in custody following narcotics search warrant served in Butler

On May 9th just before 8:30pm the Butler Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at 410 N. Fulton St. which is the residence of George Lewis.

 
Upon arrival to the residence, there were 3 people present at the residence. All subjects were detained while Officers executed the search warrant. During the search, Officers located various suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia to include individually bagged suspected methamphetamine alongside a scale. These items were located in the bedroom of George Lewis.

 
After Officers completed their search, two of the subjects that were detained were then released on scene. George Lewis was transported to the Bates County Jail.

 
At the time that the Butler Police Department executed the search warrant, George Lewis was out on bond on charges of Deliver A Controlled Substance following a search warrant served by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office on 04/02/2025.

Following the search warrant served by the Butler Police Department, George Lewis received the following charges:

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Lewis is currently in custody with a bond amount of $250,000 Cash Only.

Structure fire near Ballard

 Adrian, Creighton and Urich fire departments are in route to a shop on fire with other structures in danger on BB highway close to Ballard. 

Use caution if traveling through the area.

A very special guest at Clinton Cruise Night

 

It was a record breaking night as over 230 cars attended the Clinton Cruise Night on Saturday, with one in attendance that was a real attention getter.

This is the famous George Barris creation, 'Dragula' as seen in the 1965 Munster's TV episode where Grampa (Al Lewis) attempts to win back the Munster Koach after Herman (Fred Gwynne) loses it in a drag race.

Besides this Hollywood celebrity, many other vintage vehicles lined the Clinton square with plenty of onlookers well into the evening. See more photos on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/543756225764072