An Asian longhorned tick was confirmed in Maine for the first time, officials said, marking the species' most northeasterly U.S. detection.

The finding—a single, not fully grown specimen submitted to University of Maine Extension Tick Lab and confirmed by state officials—does not indicate an established reproducing population in the state but underscores officials' concern about the tick's expanding U.S. range and the need for ongoing surveillance .

Newsweek reached out to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry via email for comment.

Why It Matters

The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species capable of reproducing without mating, allowing a single female to produce thousands of eggs and potentially seed large infestations that threaten livestock productiv

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