Supplementary feeding as a source of multiresistantSalmonellain endangered Egyptian vultures

Abstract

Wild birds have repeatedly been highlighted as vectors in the dissemination of livestock and human pathogens. Here, the occurrence, serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella were assessed in adult Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus), to test the hypothesis that infection is associated with the consumption of swine carcasses provided at supplementary feeding stations (SFSs). Faeces of year-round resident griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) were also tested to assess whether infection was acquired in the breeding grounds of both species or in the African wintering quarters of Egyptian vultures. Depending on the shedding rate criteria considered, the occurrence of infection in Egyptian vultures varied between the three consecutive sampling days in a range with a minimum of 23%-41% and a maximum of 64%-92% of individuals (n = 11-14 individuals, 27-39 faeces). The occurrence in the single sampling of griffon vultures was 61% of faeces (n = 18). Vultures mostly fed on pig carcasses, which together with their predominant infection with multiresistant serotypes (mostly the monophasic 4,12:i:- variant resistant to aminopenicillins, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines) typically found in pigs from Spain, strongly supports a carcass-to-vulture transmission and cross-infection routes at SFSs. Efforts are encouraged to avoid discarding carcasses of pigs with Salmonella at SFSs established for the conservation of threatened scavengers. This could contribute to reducing the long-distance transmission of resistant pathogens with an impact on livestock and human health while avoiding infection risk and its effects on wildlife.

Implications of bacterial, viral and mycotic microorganisms in vultures for wildlife conservation, ecosystem services and public health

“…2015, Jurado‐Tarifa et al . 2016, Blanco 2018, Blanco & de Tuesta 2018, Plaza et al . 2018), Campylobacter spp.…”

“…2015, Jurado‐Tarifa et al . 2016, Blanco 2018). Similarly, in Griffon Vultures from Spain there were isolations of Campylobacter spp.…”

“…For instance, the presence of zoonotic bacteria with different degrees of antibiotic resistance in vultures from Spain was associated with carcasses discarded in supplementary feeding stations, especially those of pigs (Marin et al . 2014, 2018, Blanco 2018). Similarly, American Black Vultures foraging at rubbish dumps were colonized by important zoonotic and even human pathogens (Adesiyun et al .…”

“…It is important to consider that the positive effects of anthropogenic food subsidies can hide potential threats not only to vultures but also to other wildlife species and humans, if vultures disperse zoonotic pathogens. In the case of feeding stations, it is necessary to avoid the disposal of carcasses with zoonotic‐resistant pathogens (Blanco 2018, Marin et al . 2018).…”

Scavenger birds exploiting rubbish dumps: Pathogens at the gates

“…In fact, evidence shows that some scavengers have increased in population size in association with these habitats (Gangoso et al, 2013). While they may be considered resistant to infections, recent evidence indicates that they can be colonized and behave as a potential carriers of different pathogenic bacteria (Blanco, 2018;Hidasi et al, 2015;Marin, Palomeque, Marco-Jiménez, & Vega, 2014;Sulzner, Kelly, Smith, & Johnson, 2014). The American black vulture (Coragyps atratus, hereafter black vulture) is an avian scavenger that exploits anthropogenic sites like rubbish dumps throughout the Americas (Iñigo Elias, 1987;Plaza & Lambertucci, 2018;Sazima, 2013), and are highly associated with different anthropic areas (Barbar, Werenkraut, Morales, & Lambertucci, 2015;Lambertucci, Speziale, Rogers, & Morales, 2009;Novaes & Cintra, 2015).…”