PET AND CAPTIVE BIRDS AS POTENTIAL RESERVOIRS OF ZOONOTIC BACTERIA

Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria, commonly harbored in the enteric tract of avian species. This survey aimed at verifying the presence of these microorganisms in a heterogeneous Italian population of pet birds and captive birds of prey (e.g., Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Accipitriformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes) that live in close contact with humans. A total of 151 individuals were tested for thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and 444 for Salmonella spp. Six C. jejuni and one S. Livingstone were isolated from birds of prey: 4 Accipitriformes (2 Buteo regalis, 2 Parabuteo unicinctus), 1 Falconiformes (Falco peregrinus) and 1 Strigiformes (Strix aluco) were positive for C. jejuni, and 1 Falconiformes (Falco peregrinus) for S. Livingstone. Five C. jejuni strains were genotyped by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and identified as ST 2116, assigned to ST-353 CC. Results of this study suggest that these microorganisms are not common inhabitants of the digestive tract of pet birds and captive birds of prey, but occasional findings. However, as potential reservoirs of zoonotic bacteria, pet birds should be monitored in order to preserve human health.