Fowl tick

Fowl Tick (also known as Argas persicus or the Poultry tick) is a species of soft tick that is known to infest various species of domestic fowl, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks. This tick is a significant pest in the poultry industry due to its ability to transmit various diseases.

Description

The Fowl Tick is a small, flat, oval-shaped tick that is typically brown in color. It has a soft, leathery exoskeleton and lacks the hard shield found in hard ticks. Adult ticks can measure up to 10mm in length when engorged with blood.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the Fowl Tick includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The tick can survive for long periods without feeding, making it a persistent pest in poultry houses.

Habitat

Fowl Ticks are typically found in warm, dry environments. They are often found in poultry houses, where they hide in cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed on the birds.

Disease Transmission

Fowl Ticks are known vectors of several diseases, including Avian spirochetosis, Borrelia anserina, and African swine fever. They can also cause tick paralysis in poultry.

Control

Control of Fowl Ticks involves a combination of environmental management, chemical treatments, and biological control methods. Regular inspection and cleaning of poultry houses can help to reduce tick populations.

See Also

• Tick
• Poultry farming
• Pest control