Fowl Ticks
The fowl or poultry tick (Argas persicus) was newly detected in Delaware at a location in Kent County.
This species, which is native to Asia but widely distributed around the world, is considered a major pest of poultry and linked to numerous avian health issues.
This marks the first record of a soft tick (family Argasidae) in the state, with all other documented species being hard ticks (family Ixodidae).
Poultry keepers are advised to monitor for tick infestations and report them to Dr. Ashley Kennedy (ashley.kennedy@delaware.gov).
