List Asian Tick as Invasive

Section 1. Legislative Findings. The legislature hereby finds and declares that the introduction of the Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) represents a significant threat to New York livestock. The Asian longhorned tick is the first new invasive species of ticks to enter the United States in 50 years. It is currently found in eight states including parts of New York. As the climate continues to warm, their geographic reach will continue to expand across the Eastern seaboard. The Asian longhorned tick can rapidly reproduce asexually, laying thousands of eggs at a time allowing for rapid proliferation. They are attracted to and can transmit diseases to livestock such as sheep, cattle, and horses. In Asia, the species carries a virus that kills 15 percent of victims through hemorrhaging, organ failure, and blood loss. The legislature hereby declares that due to the significant risks of the Asian longhorned tick to the livestock industry, farmers need to be made aware of the dangers presented by the Asian longhorned tick. Therefore, the legislature seeks to provide farmers with a reliable source of information to turn to when looking for answers on how to best protect their livestock and farm properties.

§ 2. The environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new section 9-1711 to read as follows: § 9-1711. Asian longhorned tick.

EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD08422-01-9

A. 4773 2

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of the department of agriculture and markets, shall add the Asian longhorned tick to the state invasive species list and include the Asian longhorned tick in the comprehensive plan for invasive species management pursuant to section 9-1705 of this title, and wherever practical, prohibit and actively eliminate or otherwise control the invasive species the Asian longhorned tick at project sites funded or regulated by the state in collaboration with the council, aid in the review and reform of relevant regulatory processes to remove unnecessary impediments to the restoration of invaded ecosystems, and include information on the Asian longhorned tick on statewide databases and clearinghouses that incorporates existing data from agencies and organizations in the state, as well as from nearby states, provinces, Canada, and the federal government.

§ 3. Section 16 of the agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new subdivision 50 to read as follows:

50. To develop, in consultation with the commissioner of the department of health, best-practice recommendations for treatment, prevention and management of livestock and farm property against Asian longhorned ticks. Such recommendations shall be based upon scientific data and shall include, but not be limited to, the use of landscape techniques demonstrated to be safe for livestock, people, pets and the environment, methods to discourage rodent activity, and the use of effective active ingredients, as defined in subdivision one of section 33-0101 of the environmental conservation law, including usage information and any label warnings or caution statements. The commissioner, in consultation with the New York state land grant university, shall develop and distribute to farmers a pamphlet on Asian longhorned tick treatment, management, and prevention. Such pamphlet and recommendations shall also be made available on the department's website.

§ 4. This act shall take effect on the fifteenth of April next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.