Prevalence and Monthly Variation of Argas persicus Infestation in Domestic Chickens in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

The fowl tick, Argas persicus, is an important soft tick ectoparasite of domestic poultry and can adversely affect bird health and productivity. Its occurrence is influenced by host availability and environmental conditions, particularly conditions within poultry shelters. However, information concerning its occurrence among household-reared chickens in Baghdad, Iraq, remains limited. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 in Abu Ghraib District, Baghdad Governorate in Iraq. A total of 520 domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) were examined, with 130 birds sampled during each study month. Birds and their housing environments were inspected for A. persicus. Suspected ticks were collected and preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol before morphological preparation and microscopic examination. Monthly differences in infestation prevalence were evaluated using the chi-square test at a significance level of 5%.Of the 520 examined chickens, 308 were infested with A. persicus, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 59.2%. Marked monthly variation was observed. The highest prevalence was recorded in December, when 124 of 130 chickens were positive (95.4%), whereas the lowest prevalence occurred in January, with 14 of 130 birds positive (10.8%). The prevalence was 65.4% in November and 65.4% in February. The variation in infestation prevalence among the four study months was statistically significant (χ² = 200.88, df = 3, P < 0.001). The findings demonstrate a high overall prevalence of A. persicus among household chickens in Abu Ghraib District, with pronounced temporal variation during the study period. The exceptionally high prevalence recorded in December indicates a period of increased infestation risk. Regular inspection and appropriate ectoparasite-management practices in both chickens and their housing environments are recommended. Further longitudinal studies incorporating quantitative temperature, humidity, housing characteristics, and tick developmental stages are required to clarify the environmental determinants of A. persicus infestation.