Ticks in the box: Argas persicus occurrence in nest boxes of secondary cavity-nesting bird species in Italy

Abstract Migratory organisms can be vectors of parasitic host that then transported along seasonal migratory journeys and spread across continents. Ornithophilic nidicolous ticks (e.g. soft ticks) include species responsible for the transmission pathogens bacteria, thus representing a health problem not only wild are directly parasitized, but also those share same environments or reproductive sites with them. In this regard, artificial nests birds may turn out to site-sources parasites. Here, we document occurrence different life stages Argas persicus in nest boxes natural area (not associated poultry activities) central coastal Italy (Maremma Regional Park, Tuscany). Between 2018 2022, 168 were collected from occupied by secondary cavity-nesting birds, such as European rollers Coracias garrulus scops owl Otus . Ticks analysed morphologically, selected specimens identified mitochondrial ribosomal 16S (16S) subunit gene ascertain their taxonomic status. All This finding suggests tick has formed viable population Italian region, further confirms previously doubtful origin at country level sheds new light on its underestimated little investigated distribution. Possible pathways introduction potential impacts local avian community discussed.