A new species of deadly tick has been reported for the first time in Connecticut.
“The Gulf Coast Tick is quite flexible with regards to habitat. I have been collecting this tick from the coastal region, from beaches and grassy areas as well. So, people should not take chances they have to be aware that ticks are everywhere,” said Dr. Goudarz Molaei with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Gulf Coast Tick is found in the Gulf of Mexico, but climate change has forced them to spread north.
Humans can contract a form of spotted fever, similar to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, if bitten by the tick. And pet dogs can become infected with an inflammatory disease that stays with them for life.