What is the name of the tick species that primarily feeds on poultry but can attack humans?

The correct answer is Argas persicus, commonly known as the fowl tick or poultry tick. This tick species is known for its association with poultry, particularly chickens. Argas persicus feeds mostly on the blood of birds, especially during the night when they are more active. Although their primary hosts are birds, they are also capable of feeding on humans if necessary, especially when they are in proximity to their usual avian hosts.

This adaptability is significant because it allows Argas persicus to exploit a broader range of hosts, which can lead to increased interactions with humans, particularly in situations like poultry farming or cohabitation in rural areas. Understanding this behavior helps in managing pest control and minimizing the risks associated with tick-borne diseases in both avian and human populations.

In contrast, the other tick species listed primarily target different hosts or have different feeding behaviors; for instance, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, also known as the brown dog tick, mainly feeds on dogs, and Amblyomma americanum is known for its preference for mammals rather than poultry. Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the black-legged tick or deer tick, primarily feeds on deer and can transmit Lyme disease, but it is not specifically linked