Disease patterns in the Detroit Zoo: a study of the avian population from 1973 through 1983

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate disease patterns in birds at the Detroit Zoo from 1973 through 1983. Data were derived from the zoo's medical and animal census records; the mean (+/- SD) population of birds during the study period was 469 +/- 42. Overall annual morbidity rates were 12.5% to 21.5%, with spring months having the highest morbidity rates. Annual mortality rates were 3.1% to 15.2%; 23.9% of the deaths were caused by microbial agents (particularly Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, hemolytic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Aeromonas spp and Proteus spp), 15.4% by trauma, and 42.5% by nondetermined causes. The mute swan (Cygnus olor), mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos), common gallinule (Gallinula chloropus), common rhea (Rhea americana), and red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) were the 5 species most frequently affected of the 1,032 deaths from 1973 through 1983. The most frequently isolated parasites were Microtetramere spp, coccidian species, Diplotriaena spp, and Trichomonia spp.     

Disease patterns in the Detroit Zoo: a study of reptilian and amphibian populations from 1973 through 1983

A retrospective study was conducted to determine disease patterns in reptilian and amphibian populations at the Detroit Zoo from 1973 through 1983. In the reptilian population (mean +/- SD = 285.2 +/- 28), overall annual mortality rates were 1% to 40%. Mortality rates were highest in the fall months (20%) and lowest in the winter months (6%). The most frequently affected reptiles were iguana (Iguana iguana), reticulated python (Python reticulatus), rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp), common boa (Constrictor constrictor), and lizards (various genera of suborder Lacertilia). Of the 1,300 reptilian deaths from 1973 through 1983, 36.6% were caused by microbial agents, 12% by parasites, 11.6% by trauma, and 9.3% by nutritional deficiencies. The main microbial organisms that caused death were Aeromonas spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp, and Edwardsiella spp. The main parasites that caused death were Entamoeba spp and lungworms. Among amphibians, frogs and toads were the most frequently affected, and starvation and trauma were the most frequent causes of death.     

Helminthiasis and toxoplasmosis among exotic mammals at the Santiago National Zoo

Parasitologic evaluations of 112 fecal specimens from 292 mammals from the Santiago National Zoo (36 specimens were pooled specimens from greater than or equal to 2 animals) indicated that 51 mammals had protozoa or helminths in their feces. Most of the parasites in the herbivorous species were trichurids and strongylids, whereas most of the parasites in the carnivorous species were ascarids. Coccidia spp and Giardia spp were the most frequently detected protozoans in the mammals evaluated. Of 127 captive mammals serologically evaluated for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (indirect hemagglutination test), 35 (27.5%) were positive for T gondii: 7 (46.6%) of 15 carnivores, 24 (25.2%) of 95 artyodactyls, and 4 (22.5%) of 17 nonhuman primates. Antibodies against T gondii also were found in 8 of 10 domestic cats captured within the zoo and in 6 of 13 volunteer zookeepers.     

Intestinal parasites in various animals at a zoo in Malaysia

A survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites from different groups of mammals housed in a zoological garden in Malaysia. A total of 197 faecal samples were collected randomly from various primates (99), hoofed mammals (70) and feline (28). It was discovered that 89.3% of feline, 54.5% of primates and 45.7% of hoofed mammals were infected with intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites found in primates were Balantidium coli (19.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.1%), hookworm (10.1%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Ascaris (4.0%) and Blastocystis spp. (2.0%). For hoofed mammals, hookworm had the highest prevalence (34.3%) followed by Trichuris spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.7%). Meanwhile, for feline, Toxocara cati was the most prevalent (64.3%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (14.3%), Spirometra spp. (7.1%), and hookworm (3.6%). Animals that were infected were all asymptomatic with low parasite load. Routine monitoring of the presence of parasites in animals kept in the zoo is imperative in assisting zoo management in the formulation and implementation of preventive and control measures against the spread of infectious parasitic diseases among animals within the zoo or to humans.     

A survey of sheep diseases in Canada.

A mail survey of disease occurrence in Canadian sheep flocks was conducted. The survey, which covered the period from September 1982 to August 1983, utilized flocks on the Record of Performance (ROP) sheep program and relatively complete data were available from 116 flocks. Data about lambing rates, incidence of a variety of lamb and ewe diseases and reasons for culling were obtained. At the same time a retrospective evaluation of records of diagnoses of sheep diseases recorded at diagnostic laboratories across the country was performed. Data from the years 1978 to 1982 were obtained and summarized. A lambing percentage of 153% (1.53 lambs live born per ewe lambing) was observed and an additional 0.05 lambs were stillborn. The major identified causes of mortality amongst lambs were starvation, pneumonia, scours and accidents. Pasteurella spp. were the etiological agents most commonly associated with pneumonia in lambs and Escherichia coli had the same predominant position with regards to nonparasitic scours. A large discrepancy existed between the proportional mortality rates for internal parasites and coccidiosis as determined from the farm survey data compared to diagnostic laboratory data. This suggests that clinical parasitism may not be adequately recognized at the farm level. Abortions in ewes occurred in approximately half the flocks, but generally at a low level and no severe abortion storms occurred. Pneumonia was the most commonly identified cause of mortality in ewes and although Pasteurella spp. appear to be the most important etiological agents, regional differences were apparent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Circulation of Toxocara spp. in suburban and rural ecosystems in the Slovak Republic

Toxocara spp., the common roundworms of domestic and wild animals, are the causative agents of larval toxocarosis in humans. The migration of Toxocara larvae in men causes clinical syndrome, called larva migrans visceralis or larva migrans ocularis. The objective of the present work was to investigate the prevalence of toxocarosis in dogs, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and small mammals in the Slovak Republic. T. canis infection was diagnosed in 16.6% out of 145 dogs examined. Young animals showed significantly higher positivity (50.0%) than adults (12.4%). Coprological investigation of 310 red foxes showed 8.1% prevalence of T. canis, with higher occurrence in animals from rural conditions (8.6%) than from suburban environment (5.6%). Out of 710 small mammals examined, anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in 7.7% of the animals. The most frequently seropositive species was Apodemus agrarius (15.9%). Seropositivity of small mammals from suburban localities was higher (10%) compared with rural areas (5.8%), with adult animals exhibiting higher seropositivity (8.0%) than subadults (6.8%). Our results have confirmed the importance of dogs, red foxes and small mammals in circulation of this serious helminthozoonosis in suburban and rural ecosystems.     

Gastrointestinal protozoa in non-human primates of four zoological gardens in Belgium

Gastrointestinal parasites are important infectious causes of diarrhoea in captive non-human primates (NHP). However, prevalence data of gastrointestinal parasites in zoological gardens are scarce. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in NHP of four zoological gardens in Belgium. Between August 2004 and April 2006, 910 faecal samples were collected from 222 animals housed in 39 groups. The 31 species involved were representatives of prosimians, New World (NW) monkeys, Old World (OW) monkeys and apes. Because individual sampling was impossible, a statistical simulation was performed to estimate a sufficient sample size. All samples were microscopically examined after an acetic acid-ether concentration. Differences in host species susceptibility were examined by non-parametric tests. Entamoeba spp. (44%) and Giardia spp. (41%) were the most prevalent species. Other parasites detected were Endolimax nana (36%), Chilomastix mesnili (21%), Balantidium coli (13%), Trichuris spp. (10%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (5%) and Strongyloides spp. (5%). Parasites for which a significant difference in susceptibility at the level of host taxonomy was noted were Entamoeba spp. (p<0.001) and C. mesnili (p<0.05). Samples containing Entamoeba spp. were the most prevalent in OW monkeys (p<0.0083). Samples collected from OW monkeys contained the highest number of parasite species (p<0.0083).     

Intestinal parasitism in the animals of the zoological garden "Peña Escrita" (Almuñecar, Spain)

Gastrointestinal parasites cause serious diarrhoea in captive animals. Therefore, we have undertaken this study to establish programmes to prevent, control, and treat intestinal parasitism in the animals of the zoological garden "Pe?a Escrita" of Almu?ecar (Granada). An annual survey was conduced to estimate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and the seasonality of this parasitism. Between June 2006 and May 2007, 432 samples were collected from primates, carnivores, perissoodactyla, artiodactyla, rodentia, diprotodontia, galliformes, anseriformes and struthioniformes. One or more intestinal parasites were identified in 72.5% of the animals. The most frequent pathogenic endoparasites were Eimeria spp. (17.3%), Trichuris spp. (5.1%), Strongyloides spp. (4.5%), Cyclospora spp. (4.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.2%) and Isospora spp. (2.6%). Iodamoeba butschlii, Parascaris equorum and Trichuris spp. did not vary with season and Cryptosporidium spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Metastrongylus spp. and Cylicospirura spp. appeared exclusively in Artiodactyla. Multiple parasitic infections were common, 70% of animals presented with at least two parasites (maximum=6). The most frequent cases of multiple parasitism were Eimeria spp. plus Blastocystis spp. and Eimeria spp. plus Nematodirus spp., in the last case the animals presented explosive diarrhoea. In accord with our results, after each sampling, some of the affected animals were treated and the corresponding programmes of prevention and control were designed.     

Isolation of Campylobacter species from zoo animals and polymerase chain reaction-based random amplified polymorphism DNA analysis

A total of 104 fecal specimens from 30 mammals, 12 birds, and 3 reptiles at the Phoenix Zoological Gardens, Miyazaki City, Japan, were examined for the presence of Campylobacter species. All the animals examined were healthy with no fecal abnormality. Twenty-three (22.1%) thermophilic campylobacters, (9 C. jejuni, 11 C. hyointestinalis, 2 C. coli, and 1 C. lari), were isolated from 11 animals (7 mammals and 4 birds). C. jejuni and C. hyointestinalis were the predominant species isolated from these zoo animals and C. hyointestinalis was isolated frequently from simians. As selective media influence the numbers and species of campylobacters isolated, the agar medium was not supplemented with cephalothin. Campylobacters were isolated most frequently when a combination of enrichment culture and selective agar plating was performed at 42 degrees C. For the epidemiological study, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used as a tool to detect the heterogeneity of amplified DNAs of Campylobacter spp. isolated from zoo animals. The two arbitrary primers used in this study enabled even closely related strains of the same Campylobacter spp. to be differentiated. RAPD analysis revealed considerable diversity among the strains, suggesting that the transmission of Campylobacter spp. among animals in a defined area occurred through different mechanisms.Examination of the genotypic diversity among the multiple clones from the same host also revealed differences between clones. These results demonstrate that campylobacter populations in zoo animals are highly divergent.     

A cross-sectional study of Leishmania spp. infection in clinically healthy dogs with polymerase chain reaction and serology in Greece

The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray dogs, and dogs with owners was investigated by fecal examinations from 271 dogs employing sedimentation, simple flotation and centrifugation-flotation methods. The centrifugation-flotation method, when compared to simple flotation or sedimentation methods was generally more accurate in the diagnosis of all intestinal parasites, but statistical differences were detected only in relation to Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. (synonym Isospora spp.). The following parasites, with their respective prevalence, were diagnosed in the fecal samples: Ancylostoma spp. (23.6%); Toxocara canis (5.5%); Trichuris vulpis (4.8%); Spirocerca lupi (1.9%); Dipylidium caninum (0.7%); Giardia spp. (12.2%); Hammondia heydorni (2.6%); Cystoisospora spp. (8.5%); and Sarcocystis spp. (2.2%). The prevalence of most parasites was similar for dogs of mixed-breed and for dogs of a defined-breed, except for Cystoisospora spp. and T. canis which showed a significantly higher prevalence in mixed-breed dogs. The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. (17.1%) was significantly lower in stray dogs than in those with an owner (31.9%) and the prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. was higher in stray dogs (P < 0.05). No effect of season on the occurrence of the different parasite genera could be observed, except for Ancylostoma spp., for which an increase in the percentage of dogs shedding eggs was observed at the beginning of Summer with a peak occurrence during April and May (Autumn). The prevalence of Ancylostoma spp., T. canis, T. vulpis, Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp. was higher in adult males than in adult females, but significant differences between the two groups occurred only with Giardia spp. Young animals were found to more frequently shed Nematode eggs in feces than adult animals.     

Prevalence of selected zoonotic and vector-borne agents in dogs and cats in Costa Rica

To estimate the prevalence of enteric parasites and selected vector-borne agents of dogs and cats in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica, fecal and serum samples were collected from animals voluntarily undergoing sterilization. Each fecal sample was examined for parasites by microscopic examination after fecal flotation and for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Giardia and Cryptosporidium IFA positive samples were genotyped after PCR amplification of specific DNA if possible. The seroprevalence rates for the vector-borne agents (Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) were estimated based on results from a commercially available ELISA. Enteric parasites were detected in samples from 75% of the dogs; Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Giardia, and Toxocara canis were detected. Of the cats, 67.5% harbored Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, or Toxocara cati. Both Cryptosporidium spp. isolates that could be sequenced were Cryptosporidium parvum (one dog isolate and one cat isolate). Of the Giardia spp. isolates that were successfully sequenced, the 2 cat isolates were assemblage A and the 2 dog isolates were assemblage D. D. immitis antigen and E. canis antibodies were identified in 2.3% and 3.5% of the serum samples, respectively. The prevalence of enteric zoonotic parasites in San Isidro de El General in Costa Rica is high in companion animals and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks.     

Internal parasites of Washington cattle.

The occurrence of internal parasites in Washinton cattle was estimated. During the survey period in 1972 and 1973, more than 3,700 fecal samples from 29 herds and 4 feedlots, and viscera from 55 cattle were examined. The percentage of fecal samples with parasite eggs or oocysts from herds was as follows: oocysts, 77%; "strongyline" eggs, 44%; Nematodirus eggs, 3%; Moniezia eggs, 3%; Fasciola eggs, 2%; Trichuris eggs, 2%; and Dictyocaulus larvae, 1%. The fecal samples from feedlots contained principally strongyline eggs which varied markedly in numbers among groups of cattle in the lots. The predominant parasite in viscera was Ostertagia spp, which was recovered from all of the cattle examined. Other parasites identified in the survey were found less frequently in these examinations. Cattle in dairy and beef operations utilizing irrigated pastures were particularly prone to Fasciola infections, and more strongyline eggs were observed there than in fecal samples from other management systems. Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of strongyline and Fasciola eggs were pronounced.     

野生动物园动物肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解四川某野生动物园动物肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对40种野生动物及混居水禽共计180份粪便样本进行调查。寄生虫总感染率为74.4%,共发现8种寄生虫,其中球虫、阿米巴原虫、蛔虫、鞭虫、毛细线虫、圆线虫、绦虫和吸虫感染率分别为31.1%、19.4%、15.6%、10.6%、17.2%、20.6%、4.4%和1.7%。结果表明,某野生动物肠寄生虫感染较为普遍,应采取有效的综合防治措施,以保证野生动物的健康。     

Bacteriological and virological status in upper respiratory tract infections of cats (cat common cold complex)

Between October 2002 and January 2005,460 bacteriological samples from cats with an acute upper respiratory tract infection were analysed in clinical field studies in two accredited laboratories in Germany. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken from these cats and sent to the laboratories for routine diagnostics. In the swab samples of 460 cats 382 bacteria strains were isolated.The following bacteria were isolated most frequently: Pasteurella spp. (32.5 %), Staphylococcus spp. (18.5 %), Escherichia coli (17.0 %), Streptococcus spp. (9.1 %), Pseudomonas spp. (6.9 %) and Klebsiella spp. (3.0 %). Bordetella bronchiseptica was found in 0.4 % of the animals To evaluate possible regional and time influences, the animals were split into three populations: 1: Germany, laboratory A; 2: Germany, laboratory B; 3: France and Belgium, laboratory B. In population 1 an 2 Pasteurella spp. were found most frequently with 42.2 % and 36.5 %, respectively.The second most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus spp. with 14.1 % and 21.4 % and E. coli with 13.6 % and 17.5 % respectively. In population 3 Staphylococcus spp., E. coli (20 % each) and Pasteurella spp. (18.5 %) were isolated at almost the same frequency. Virological parameter were additionally analysed in 328 cats (population 2 and 3). Serum samples were analysed for antibodies specific for Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and for Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) antigen. Oropharyngeal swabs were analysed for Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) by using PCR. Calicivirus-specific antibodies were found in 99.6 % of the cats of population 2 and in 100 % of the animals in population 3. Herpesvirus was detected in 15.3 % and 23.3 % of the cats, respectively. FeLV-Antigen was found in 0.4 % of the animals in population 2 and in 10.1 % of the cats in population 3, while FIV-antibodies were identified in 8.7 % of the animals of population 2 and in 6.1 % of the cats of population 3. In total FHV was found in 19.3 % and FCV-specific antibodies in 99.7 % of the animals. 5.3 % of the cats carried FeLV-Antigen, and 7.4 % FIV-specific antibodies. The results of the bacteriological analysis as well as the results of the virological examination confirm previously published data. In this study Pasteurella spp. were most frequently isolated (32.5 %).     

The pharmacology of halogenated salicylanilides and their anthelmintic use in animals

The halogenated salicylanilides are a large group of compounds developed mainly for their antiparasitic activity in animals. Several halogenated salicylanilides with potent antiparasitic activity have been synthesised of which only closantel, niclosamide, oxyclozanide, rafoxanide and resorantel are commercially available. Closantel and rafoxanide, which represent the most important drugs in the group, are used extensively for the control of Haemonchus spp. and Fasciola spp. infestations in sheep and cattle and Oestrus ovis in sheep in many parts of the world. Niclosamide is used extensively for its anticestodal activity in a wide range of animals. Antiparasitic activity of the halogenated salicylanilides has also been demonstrated against a large number of other internal parasites, in particular haematophagous helminths, and external parasites including ticks and mites, in a variety of animal species. Several cases of toxicity and mortality have been reported for closantel and rafoxanide in sheep and goats. Their unique pharmacokinetic behaviour appears to play an important role in the efficacy and safety of these compounds. The chemical and physical characteristics, mode of action, pharmacokinetics, antiparasitic activity and toxicity of the halogenated salicylanilides in animals are reviewed.     

我国部分地区羊消化道寄生虫感染情况调查及球虫种类鉴定

为了解我国部分地区羊肠道寄生虫的感染情况,采用水洗离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法,对来自全国8省16个地区共472份羊粪样品进行了肠道寄生虫的显微镜检查,并根据虫卵和卵囊形态进行了虫种鉴定。本次调查寄生虫总感染率为85.38%(403/472),混合感染率为46.40%(219/472),共查到球虫、阿米巴、线虫和绦虫4大类寄生虫,感染率分别为68.86%(325/472)、44.49%(210/472)、29.24%(138/472)和1.91%(9/472)。球虫种类鉴定结果显示共10种,分别为阿氏艾美耳球虫(Eimeri arloingi)、艾丽艾美耳球虫(Eimeri alijevi)、苍白艾美耳球虫(Eimeri pallida)、家山羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri hirci)、山羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri caprina)、阿撒他艾美耳球虫(Eimeri ahsata)、斑点艾美耳球虫(Eimeri punctata)、羊艾美耳球虫(Eimeri caprovina)、颗粒艾美耳球虫(Eimeri granulosa)和克氏艾美耳球虫(Eimeri christenseni);线虫共4种,分别为类圆线虫(Strongyloides spp)、毛首线虫(Trichuris spp)、毛细线虫(Capillaria spp)和细颈线虫(Nematodirus spp);绦虫为扩展莫尼茨绦虫(Moniezia expansa)。结论:我国部分地区羊肠道寄生虫在春夏季节感染较为普遍,其中球虫感染率最高,为优势虫种。本调查为羊场精准驱虫提供了参考依据。     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs under veterinary care in Maracaibo, Venezuela

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs presented to the Veterinary Policlinic of the University of Zulia (PVU) was measured between January and December 2001. A total of 614 fecal samples were evaluated by the fecal flotation method. One or more species of parasites was identified in 218 (35.5%) dogs. The parasites most frequently detected were: Ancylostoma spp. (24.5%), Toxocara canis (11.4%) and Isospora spp. (8.1%). Single parasitic infections were present in 149 (24.3%) dogs. The age distribution of intestinal parasites in dogs less than 1 year old had a higher overall prevalence than those dogs over 12 months of age. There was no significant difference in the prevalence between male (38.9%) and female (31.7%) dogs. There was a significantly (P < 0.05) greater prevalence of parasites in mixed-breed dogs (40.3%) as compared with pure-breed dogs (30.8%). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was detected between the general prevalence of January and December compared to August.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. from various organ systems of horses, dogs and cats as determined in the BfT-GermVet monitoring program 2004-2006

A total of 120 isolates of Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. collected from horses and small animals (dogs and cats) were screened for their susceptibility to 24 different antimicrobial agents. Klebsiella spp. were included from infections of the genital tract (GT) of horses (36 isolates) and the urinary/genital tract (UGT) from dogs and cats (17 isolates), while Proteus spp. were from small animal (dogs and cats) infections of the UGT (37 strains) and the skin (incl. ear/mouth) (30 isolates). In Klebsiella spp. resistance appeared most frequently to ampicillin (53-67%), sulfamethoxazole (19-29%) and potentiated sulfonamides (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 1/19 combination) (19-24%). A further 29% of enrofloxacin resistant Klebsiella isolates were observed for the UGT of small animals. From the GT of horses for this antimicrobial agent there was no isolate detected with a comparably high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value. In Proteus spp. highest percentages of resistance occurred against tetracycline (90-92%). Due to drug efflux proteins, high MIC values against this antimicrobial agent have been frequently reported in literature. In Proteus spp. relevant resistance percentages also occurred for potentiated sulfonamides (27-37%), sulfamethoxazole (24-37%) and chloramphenicol (24-37%).     

Survey of internal parasites in Western Australian pig herds. 1. Prevalence

Between September 1982 and March 1984, 101 Western Australian piggeries with 15 or more sows were surveyed to determine the prevalence of internal parasites and examine the relationship between parasitism and management practices. Faecal samples were collected from 20 pigs in 4 age groups in randomly selected piggeries, and examined for the presence of eggs of helminth parasites and protozoan cysts. Evidence of nematode parasites was found in 79% of piggeries. Sows were more commonly affected than other classes of pigs with worm eggs being found in 68% of herds. Oesophagostomum spp was the most prevalent worm species, being found in pigs from 65% of piggeries and in sows in 60% of herds. Ascaris suum was the most common species of worm found in growing pigs. There was no evidence of infection with either Metastrongylus spp or Strongyloides spp in any of the herds sampled. Oocysts of coccidia were found in pigs from 56% of piggeries and Balantidium coli cysts were detected in pigs from 42% of piggeries sampled.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in pet mammals, reptiles, fish aquarium water, and birds in Trinidad

The prevalence of Salmonella spp. was determined in 970 animals comprising 423 pet birds, 485 fish aquaria water and 62 other pets (40 pet mammals, 14 reptiles, eight others - crustaceans, snail, stingray) from both pet shops and households throughout Trinidad. The serotypes of Salmonella spp. isolated were identified and the resistance to various antimicrobial agents was determined. Overall nine (0.9%) of 970 pet animals were positive for Salmonella spp. Six isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from all pet birds with two isolates of serotype Aberdeen and one isolate each of Thompson, Rubislaw, Panama and Newport. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in birds was 0.9%. Four isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from fish aquaria water, serotypes included Panama (two isolates), Newport (one isolate) and Virchow (one isolate). Prevalence of Salmonella spp. from fish aquaria was 0.4%. No isolate of Salmonella spp. was detected in pet mammals sampled while two isolates were recovered from reptiles, S. Enteritidis and S. Montevideo. One isolate of Salmonella spp. was recovered from a stingray, serotype unknown. Antimicrobial resistance was present is all animal types. The highest prevalence of resistance was to streptomycin among isolates from birds (83.3%) and other pets (100.0%) while isolates from fish aquarium water exhibited comparatively high resistance to cephalothin (50.0%). It was concluded that the isolation of Salmonella spp. from apparently healthy birds, fish aquarium water and other pet animals may pose a health risk to their owners and contacts as all serotypes are known to be potentially pathogenic depending on the oral dosage of the organism and the immune status of those in contact. The high prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents among Salmonella isolates across pet species may pose chemotherapeutic consequences to their owners and contacts.