Capturing migratory birds and examining for ticks (Acari: Ixodida)

Abstract

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are hematophagous ectoparasites of a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and are the vectors of many pathogenic agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The seasonal movement and migration of birds is one of the main causes of the dispersal of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, identification of ticks associated with migratory birds is a fundamental step to understand the ecology of ticks infesting birds and evaluate their potential as vectors of zoonotic diseases. In this article, we provided a brief review for capturing migrating birds and examining them for ticks.