Experimental Tularemia in Birds.

The role of birds in dissemination ofFrancisella tularensis: first direct molecular evidence for bird-to-human transmission

“…Mammals have been considered a preferred host since they have a lower body temperature than birds. In spite of several reports in the literature [3][4][5][6][7], no direct evidence for bird-to-human transmission of F. tularensis has been described so far and our observation adds to the body of suggestive evidence supporting this route of transmission.…”

“…The role of birds in the epizoology and dissemination of tularemia is not fully understood, although a number of reports suggesting bird-related transmission have been published in the past century [3–7]. The occurrence of tularemia in birds is of particular interest because they might serve as disseminators of the disease.…”

“…At least 26 avian species are known to be susceptible to F. tularensis infection [4]. Naturally acquired infection seems to occur in gallinaceous birds and data exist for experimental infection in raptors and crowns [3, 5–7]. Ticks (e.g.…”

Tularemia

“…89 Ringnecked pheasants 110 produced antibody against Francisella tularensis when inoculated with this organism but did not exhibit clinical disease. 111 Tularemia is established as a natural disease of wild birds by the isolation of Pasteurella (= Francisella) tularensis from a quail dying in the wild 112 and from dead and dying sage grouse. 109 Infected ticks are collected from healthy sharp-tailed grouse and ruffed grouse.…”