DA Form 8017-R: Tick Survey & CO2 Trap Data (PDF) – US Army personnel, preventive medicine technicians, and installation environmental health teams rely on accurate tick surveillance to protect soldiers from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. These illnesses can impact military readiness, especially during field training, deployments, or operations on US installations. DA Form 8017-R, officially titled TICK SURVEY DATA / CARBON DIOXIDE TRAP DATA (LRA), is the standardized tool for recording data from carbon dioxide (CO₂) traps used in these surveys.
This article provides everything you need to know about DA Form 8017-R—its purpose, how to complete it, why it matters for force health protection, and a direct link to the official fillable PDF. Whether you’re a PVNTMED specialist, unit entomologist, or installation pest management professional, this guide ensures compliant, effective data collection under current Army guidelines.
What Is DA Form 8017-R?
DA Form 8017-R is a Department of the Army form (revised December 1991) designed specifically for documenting tick collections using carbon dioxide (CO₂) baited traps. CO₂ traps simulate host breath to attract ticks, making them highly effective for surveillance of medically important species like Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick), Dermacentor variabilis, and others common on US military lands.
- Full Title: Tick Survey Data / Carbon Dioxide Trap Data (LRA)
- Date: DEC 1991
- Proponent: Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)
- Reference: TB MED 561, Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance (1 June 1992)
The form captures environmental conditions, trap deployment details, tick counts by life stage (larvae, nymphs, adults), and specimen submission data. It is part of the Army’s broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and vector surveillance program, still actively used and available through official Army Publishing Directorate channels.
Note: Companion forms include DA Form 8016-R (Tick Drag Data) and others for comprehensive pest monitoring.
Why Tick Surveillance Matters for US Army Personnel?
Ticks are major disease vectors affecting military operations across the United States. Army installations in the eastern, southern, and midwestern states often report high tick densities in training areas, forests, and grasslands. Untreated infestations lead to:
- Reduced troop readiness
- Medical evacuations
- Long-term health issues for service members and families
TB MED 561 requires preventive medicine (PVNTMED) teams to establish routine pest surveillance programs, including CO₂ trapping, to monitor tick populations, identify hotspots, and guide targeted control measures. Data from DA Form 8017-R feeds into installation reports, helps track trends, and supports decisions on acaricide applications or habitat modification.
Carbon dioxide traps are particularly valuable because they passively collect ticks over hours without constant human effort, providing standardized, comparable data across sites and seasons.
How to Complete DA Form 8017-R Step by Step?
The one-page form is straightforward and designed for field use. Here’s a clear breakdown of every section based on the official layout:
- Block 1 – DATE: Enter the survey date (DD MMM YY or full format).
- Block 2 – COLLECTOR: Name or identifier of the person(s) conducting the survey.
- Block 3 – WEATHER DATA:
- a. TEMPERATURE (°F or °C)
- b. WIND SPEED (mph or km/h)
- c. CLOUD COVER (e.g., clear, partly cloudy, overcast)
- Blocks 4–10 – SITE AND TRAP DATA (main table):
- Site No., GRID (coordinates or map reference)
- For each of 3 traps (standard protocol): START time, END time
- Tick counts by stage: LARVAE, NYMPHS, ADULTS
- COMMENTS section: Note habitat type, vegetation, unusual observations, or issues.
- Calculated Field: Average Number of Ticks (3 Traps) Divided by Time in Hours (provides ticks-per-hour index for standardization).
- SPECIMENS SENT TO USAEHA FOR ID:
- Block 11 – DATE sent
- Block 12 – SPECIES (after identification)
- Block 13 – Additional COMMENTS
Pro Tip: Always use three traps per site for consistency with the form’s averaging formula. Record data immediately to avoid errors. Submit specimens promptly to the US Army Public Health Center (formerly USAEHA) for accurate species and pathogen identification.
Download DA Form 8017-R PDF (Official Fillable Version)
Get the latest official version directly from the US Army Publishing Directorate:
This is the exact fillable form referenced in TB MED 561. Print it for field use or complete digitally where supported. Always verify the latest version on armypubs.army.mil before use.
Best Practices for CO₂ Tick Trap Surveys
- Trap Setup: Place dry ice in an insulated container with holes allowing CO₂ to escape. Surround with sticky tape or flannel on a flat platform.
- Timing: Deploy during peak tick activity (spring through fall in most US regions).
- Safety: Wear permethrin-treated uniforms, use repellents, and perform tick checks after fieldwork.
- Data Use: Enter results into installation pest management databases or DOEHRS for trend analysis.
- Integration: Combine with drag sampling (DA Form 8016-R) and other methods for complete surveillance.
Related Resources and Regulations
- TB MED 561 – Core guidance for all Army pest surveillance programs.
- DA PAM 40-11 – Army Public Health Program (references pest surveillance).
- Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guides – Additional best practices for tick control.
- Army Public Health Center (APHC) resources for installation PVNTMED teams.
Protect Readiness with Proper Tick Surveillance
DA Form 8017-R remains the essential tool for standardized carbon dioxide trap tick data collection in the US Army. Accurate use supports proactive vector control, reduces disease risk, and keeps soldiers mission-ready.
Bookmark this page for quick reference, download the form today, and ensure your unit’s surveillance program meets TB MED 561 standards. For questions about implementation at your installation, contact your local Preventive Medicine or Environmental Health office.