As the climate continues changing, scientists are tracking a new arrival in Illinois. Holly Tuten is a Vector Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. And she says the small Gulf Coast tick, is now confirmed in 14 counties, including Saline and Jackson. Tuten says the new tick can carry a new disease.
"This pathogen that is transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick, is related to the one that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted fever."
Tuten says it's fairly easy to see.
"The Black-Legged Tick, that's also known as the deer tick. People tend to think of that as very small. The Gulf Coast Tick in comparison, is quite large."
Tuten adds climate change is suspected as one reason this tick is moving northward.
She says it is also being reported in Ohio, Virginia and Maryland.
