DA Form 8018-R: Tick Walk Data (LRA) – Download PDF – If you serve in the US Army, work in preventive medicine, or manage installation public health programs, you know how critical tick surveillance is for protecting Soldiers and families from tick-borne diseases. DA Form 8018-R, officially titled Tick Survey Data, Tick Walk Data (LRA), is the standardized tool for recording data from tick walk surveys. This form remains an essential part of the Army’s Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance program.
In this SEO-optimized guide for US-based Army personnel, installations, and public health teams, you’ll learn exactly what DA Form 8018-R is, why it matters in 2026, how to fill it out correctly, and where to download the latest official version. We’ll also cover its connection to TB MED 561 and modern Army tick surveillance efforts.
What Is DA Form 8018-R?
DA Form 8018-R (December 1991) is a specialized US Army form used to document tick walk survey data. It captures field observations during “tick walk” sampling—a method where personnel walk through potential tick habitats and collect ticks that climb onto their clothing or body.
Key facts:
- Full title: Tick Survey Data / Tick Walk Data (LRA)
- For use of this form, see: TB MED 561, Occupational and Environmental Health: Pest Surveillance (June 1992)
- Proponent agency: Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)
- Current status: Still active and available through official Army Publications channels
The “(LRA)” designation appears on several related pest surveillance forms (e.g., DA Form 8016-R for tick drag data, DA Form 8017-R for CO₂ trap data). It supports local risk assessment and targeted vector control at Army installations across the United States.
This form complements modern programs like the Defense Health Agency’s MilTICK (formerly DoD Human Tick Test Kit Program), which tests ticks removed from Service members and dependents for pathogens.
Why Tick Walk Surveys Matter for US Army Personnel?
Ticks transmit serious diseases including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and emerging threats like Powassan virus. US Army installations in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast face heightened risk due to endemic tick populations.
DA Form 8018-R helps Preventive Medicine (PM) teams:
- Track tick density and life stages (larvae, nymphs, adults)
- Calculate a standardized tick index (ticks per distance walked)
- Identify high-risk areas for targeted control measures
- Support data-driven decisions on habitat modification, pesticide application, and Soldier education
- Feed into broader Army Public Health Center (APHC) and Defense Centers for Public Health surveillance efforts
Accurate tick walk data directly supports force health protection, reduces medical evacuations, and helps commanders maintain readiness—critical for both garrison and training environments.
How to Fill Out DA Form 8018-R? – Step-by-Step Instructions
The form is straightforward and designed for field use. Here’s a clear breakdown of every section based on the official layout:
- Date (Block 1) – Enter the survey date (DD MMM YYYY format recommended).
- Collector (Block 2) – Name and rank of the person(s) conducting the walk.
- Weather Data (Block 3) – Record:
- a. Temperature (°F or °C)
- b. Wind Speed
- c. Cloud Cover
- Site Information (Blocks 4–7) – Site number, grid coordinates, time of survey, and distance walked (measured in paces).
- Tick Counts (Block 8) – Record numbers of:
- a. Larvae
- b. Nymphs
- c. Adults
- Tick Index – Calculate Total Number of Ticks ÷ Distance Walked (paces). This standardized metric allows comparison across surveys and locations.
- Specimens Sent to Lab (Blocks 11–12) – Date specimens were sent and species identified (sent to USAEHA / current Army public health lab).
- Comments (Block 13) – Note habitat type, vegetation, any unusual findings, or follow-up actions.
Pro tip: Always use the official fillable PDF for digital records. Legible handwriting is essential if completing by hand in the field. Retain copies per local PM or medical records retention policies.
Related forms for comprehensive surveillance:
- DA Form 8016-R – Tick Survey Data / Tick Drag Data
- DA Form 8017-R – Tick Survey Data / Carbon Dioxide Trap Data
Official Download: DA Form 8018-R PDF
Direct official link (US Army Publications):
Download DA Form 8018-R PDF
This is the authoritative, fillable version hosted on armypubs.army.mil. Always download directly from Army sources to ensure you have the current edition.
Best Practices for Tick Walk Surveys on US Installations
- Conduct surveys during peak tick seasons (spring through fall in most US regions).
- Wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, and use approved repellents.
- Walk at a consistent pace (approximately one pace per second) through representative habitats.
- Combine walk data with drag sampling and CO₂ traps for complete surveillance.
- Submit specimens promptly for identification and pathogen testing through your local PM or the MilTICK program.
- Enter data into installation pest management databases or DOEHRS (Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System) when required.
Stay Current with Army Tick Surveillance Guidance
While DA Form 8018-R dates to 1991, it remains fully supported under TB MED 561 and is referenced in current publications such as DA PAM 40-11 (Army Public Health Program). The Army Public Health Center (APHC) and Defense Health Agency continue to emphasize integrated vector management to combat tick-borne illness.
For the latest training, contact your installation Preventive Medicine or Environmental Health team. Additional resources are available through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) technical guides.
Need the form right now?
Click here to download the official DA Form 8018-R PDF
Protecting our force from ticks starts with solid data. Use DA Form 8018-R accurately and consistently to keep your installation safe and mission-ready.