Open AccessLow occurrence of Salmonella spp. in wild birds from a Swiss rehabilitation centre
Author(s) -
Vogler Barbara R.,
Zurfluh Katrin,
Mattmann Prisca,
Schmitt Kira,
Albini Sarah
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
veterinary record open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.504
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2052-6113
pISSN - 2399-2050
DOI - 10.1002/vro2.17
Subject(s) - salmonella , salmonella enterica , serotype , biology , subclinical infection , microbiology and biotechnology , pathogen , veterinary medicine , population , hygiene , colonization , livestock , bacteria , environmental health , medicine , virology , ecology , genetics , pathology
Abstract Background Salmonella are bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae with a wide host range. Infection in birds causes subclinical disease to mass mortality events. Wild birds may act as healthy carriers posing a hazard to livestock and humans. The present study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella in wild birds admitted to a rehabilitation centre in order to assess the exposure of the staff to this zoonotic pathogen. Methods Faecal swabs of 552 avian patients (68 species) were collected over the course of 12 months. Each sample was propagated in enrichment broth and subsequently incubated on a RAPID' Salmonella plate. Salmonella isolates were serotyped, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Results Six Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S . Typhimurium) and 1 S . Schleissheim were detected; all were pansusceptible to the antibiotics tested. Conclusion Despite the low positive rate in the tested population, the authors recommend applying protective equipment and hygiene measures when handling wild birds.