First hemispheric report of invasive tick species Haemaphysalis punctata, first state report of Haemaphysalis longicornis, and range expansion of native tick species in Rhode Island, USA

Abstract Background Invasive arthropod vectors and the range expansions of native can lead to public veterinary health concerns, as these may introduce novel pathogens or spread endemic new locations. Recent tick invasions expansion in USA has been attributed climate land use change, an increase global travel, importations exotic animals. Methods A 10-year surveillance study was conducted on Block Island, Rhode from 2010 2020 including sampling ticks small mammal avian hosts. Results We report discovery establishment red sheep ( Haemaphysalis punctata ) for first time western hemisphere US. This invasive species collected continuously throughout study, host. document Asian longhorned longicornis state observed at our sites 2018. Finally, we present data two species, lone star rabbit tick, Island. Conclusion emphasized importance long-term detect changes host communities, expanding potential significance humans wildlife. Graphical abstract