American Dog Tick Found in Wyoming: A Growing Concern

Wyoming’s tick population has expanded with the discovery of the American dog tick, marking the state’s fourth tick species known to pose health risks to humans, Cowboy State Daily reports.

Concentrated in Sheridan County, this species has also been found in Campbell and Natrona counties, signaling its potential spread across the state.

The findings emerged from a 2024 tick surveillance program spearheaded by Mikenna Smith, an entomologist with Teton County Weed and Pest, the only county-level program of its kind in Wyoming. Smith’s passive surveillance project collected 404 ticks submitted by the public, state agencies, and pest management personnel.

“We got 47 American dog ticks from Sheridan County, one from Campbell County, and one from Natrona County, which is the first report of that tick ever in the region,” Smith noted.

The American dog tick, despite its name, does not exclusively target dogs. It can hitch rides on various wildlife, including deer, moose, cattle, and domestic animals. Known to transmit diseases such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, and tick paralysis, the tick may also carry human anaplasmosis, though more research is needed to confirm its role in disease transmission.

Symptoms of tick-borne diseases typically appear within one to two weeks of a bite and may include fever, headaches, nausea, joint pain, and rash. Wyoming Department of Health advises residents to be vigilant, especially during the active tick season in spring and early summer.

Unlike some tick species that thrive in remote mountain forests or sagebrush, the American dog tick appears to favor areas near human activity. Smith recounted instances of the tick being found near sidewalks, in pastures around homes, and even at a backyard barbecue.

“I do think it’s a bit concerning because it puts the tick in closer proximity to people,” she said.

To minimize the risk of tick bites, experts recommend wearing long clothing, tucking pants into socks, and using DEET-based repellents. Checking pets for ticks, drying clothing on high heat for 10 minutes, and showering within two hours of outdoor exposure are also effective preventive measures.

The tick surveillance program relies on public participation. Smith encourages residents to send in ticks using secure methods, such as trapping them in clear packaging tape. More information on how to participate can be found at tcweed.org.

Smith plans to continue the program indefinitely to gather data on tick diversity, distribution, and pathogen prevalence.