Fowl Ticks

The fowl tick (Argas persicus) is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries. It is the vector of Borrelia anserina (avian spirochetosis) and the rickettsia Aegyptianella pullorum, which causes fowl disease (aegyptianellosis).

In the US, the A persicus complex has been divided to include Argas miniatus, Argas sanchezi, and Argas radiatus in addition to A persicus. These ticks are particularly active in poultry houses during warm, dry weather.

All stages of fowl ticks can be found hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. Larvae can be found on birds because they remain attached and feed for 2–7 days. Nymphs and adults feed at night for 15–30 minutes. Nymphs feed and molt several times before reaching the adult stage. Adult fowl ticks feed repeatedly, most commonly under the wings, and the females lay as many as 500 eggs after each feeding. Adult females can live > 4 years without a blood meal.

Fowl tick infestation can lead to anemia (most important), weight loss, depression, toxemia, and paralysis. Egg production decreases. Red spots appear on the skin where the ticks have fed. Because the ticks are nocturnal, birds might show some uneasiness when roosting.

Death from fowl tick infestation is rare; however, production can be severely depressed. Fowl ticks are rarely found in commercial caged laying operations; however, they might be found in cage-free housing, including breeder, pasture, or small-scale flocks.

Cleaning of houses should be followed by thorough treatment of the walls, ceilings, cracks, and crevices with acaricides, using a high-pressure sprayer. Cracks and crevices should be filled in. For more information, see the list of pesticides for treating poultry arthropods registered by state jurisdiction.