Insights into antimicrobial resistance among long distance migratory East Canadian High Arctic light-bellied Brent geese (Branta bernicla hrota)

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the most significant threat to global public health and ascertaining the role wild birds play in the epidemiology of resistance is critically important. This study investigated the prevalence of AMR Gram-negative bacteria among long-distance migr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Agnew, Austin, Wang, Juan, Fanning, Séamus, Bearhop, Stuart, McMahon, Barry
Format: Other/Unknown Material
Language:English
Published: BioMed Central Ltd. 2016
Subjects:
Antimicrobial resistance
Wild birds
Migratory
Wildlife
Light-bellied Brent geese
Arctic
Branta bernicla
brent geese
Human health
Online Access:http://www.irishvetjournal.org/content/69/1/13
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Summary:Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the most significant threat to global public health and ascertaining the role wild birds play in the epidemiology of resistance is critically important. This study investigated the prevalence of AMR Gram-negative bacteria among long-distance migratory East Canadian High Arctic (ECHA) light-bellied Brent geese found wintering on the east coast of Ireland. Findings In this study a number of bacterial species were isolated from cloacal swabs taken from ECHA light-bellied Brent geese. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified five species of Gram-negative bacteria; the dominant isolated species were Pantoea spp. ( n = 5) followed by Buttiauxella agrestis ( n = 2). Antimicrobial susceptibility disk diffusion results identified four of the Pantoea spp. strains, and one of the Buttiauxella agrestis strains resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Conclusion To our knowledge this is the first record of AMR bacteria isolated from long distance migratory ECHA light-bellied Brent geese. This indicates that this species may act as reservoirs and potential disseminators of resistance genes into remote natural ecosystems across their migratory range. This population of geese frequently forage (and defecate) on public amenity areas during the winter months presenting a potential human health risk.

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