Salmonella in Wild Birds Utilizing Protected and Human Impacted Habitats, Uganda

Abstract

As human populations in Africa expand, humans encroach and modify wildlife habitats for farming, fishing, tourism, or settlement. Anthropogenic activities in shared environments may promote transmission of zoonotic pathogens between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Between July 2012 and February 2014, we evaluated Salmonella prevalence, serovars, genotypes, and antibiotic resistant phenotypes in resident and migratory birds utilizing human-impacted habitats in northwestern Lake Victoria and protected habitats in Queen Elisabeth National Park. Salmonella occurrence in the urban environment was assessed by sampling storm-water and wastewater from a channel that drains Kampala City into Lake Victoria. Salmonella was detected in 4.3% pooled bird fecal samples, and 57.1% of environmental samples. While birds in impacted and protected areas shared serovars, the genotypes were distinct. We found distinct strains in birds and the environment suggesting some strains in birds are host adapted, and strains circulating in the environment may not necessarily disseminate to birds. Conversely, birds in both impacted and protected areas shared strains with the urban environment, suggesting Salmonella disseminates between impacted environments and birds across sites. Overall, more strains were observed in the urban environment compared to birds, and poses risk of Salmonella reemergence in birds and transmission across species and space.

Whole-Genome Sequencing ofSalmonellaMississippi and Typhimurium Definitive Type 160, Australia and New Zealand

“…As in other countries ( 16 , 27 – 29 ), genomic analysis provided evidence that wild birds are a source of human infection with DT160. No characterized antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in any of the DT160 draft genome sequences, suggesting low or no antimicrobial resistance, consistent with other Salmonella strains found in wild birds ( 30 , 31 ).…”

Infection, colonization and shedding of Campylobacter and Salmonella in animals and their contribution to human disease: A review

“…Although the environment is the main source of Campylobacter and Salmonella contamination of animal foods due to unhygienic handling, the potential of accidental intestinal contents spillage and extra‐gastrointestinal colonization as a source of contamination should not be underestimated (Humphrey & Williams, ). The extended interactions between humans and animals mostly observed with pet animals and their owners, extensive animal husbandry, animal handlers and wildlife habitat encroachment predispose humans to animal‐associated infections (Afema & Sischo, ; Behravesh et al, ; Holmberg, Rosendal, Engvall, Ohlson, & Lindberg, ). Animals shedding Campylobacter and Salmonella contaminate environments including soil, manure, aquatic environments and water sources which increase the risk of humans acquiring infection when hygiene practices are not well‐observed (Whiley, Akker, Giglio, & Bentham, ; Table ).…”

Phylogenic Relationship of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Different Foodstuffs in Isfahan

“…This showed that S. Ouakam species circulating in the region shares has the same ancestor with the ones reported from the USA. This may be due to importation of animal food ingredients from the US, migration of wild birds (35), etc.…”