2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of the planned study is to capture and determine tick (Boophilus sp) densities on white-tailed deer in the quarantine zone and in areas surrounding infested pastures. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) ARS and APHIS will determine which areas in the quarantine and blanket quarantine area should be surveyed for ticks on white-tailed deer. The cooperator will employ a helicopter, 4-wheelers and personnel to capture the deer using netguns. These deer will be transported to a nearby site to enable ARS and APHIS personnel to "scratch" the deer and determine the number of ticks on each. These data will be used to construct a map of infestations found and to develop a strategy for eradication of the ticks on the deer and cattle in the area. 3.Progress Report The objective of this project is to capture wild white-tailed deer, net-gunned from a helicopter, and examine them for cattle fever ticks to determine prevalence of infestation in and around known fever-tick infested premises in South Texas in an attempt to understand the role of white-tailed deer, and other wild ungulate species, in dispersal and maintenance of the ticks. The project began September 1, 2007, and was extended to August 31, 2010, to permit sampling of deer in specific areas, including several premises where pyrethroid-resistant cattle fever ticks were present. To date, 11 capture events have occurred at locations in Dimmitt, Starr, Zapata, and Cameron counties near the Texas/Mexico border in southwestern Texas. To assess presence of cattle fever ticks on both native and exotic ungulate wildlife, in addition to white-tailed deer, nilgai antelope were assayed and found to be infested. The highest proportion of deer found to be infested at any one location was 82% (18 of 22) at a ranch in Starr County. The owner of one tick-infested ranch has cooperated with ARS and APHIS-VS Tick Eradication Program tick inspectors to permit helicopter capture and examination of deer at three intervals during the regulatory quarantine period. The final capture took place during October of 2009; therefore, the Project Grant was extended until 8/31/2010. The ADODR monitored progress through site visits of the Laboratory Director and the ADODR's supervisees, including a Cat. III Entomologist and a Biological Technician who participated in the captures, tick inspections, and blood drawing, as well as through discussions with APHIS-VS Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program, Texas Animal Health Commission personnel, and the Project Grant cooperator.