Avian Wildlife Mortality Events Due to Salmonellosis in the United States, 1985–2004

Abstract

Infection with Salmonella spp. has long been recognized in avian wildlife, although its significance in causing avian mortality, and its zoonotic risk, is not well understood. This study evaluates the role of Salmonella spp. in wild bird mortality events in the United States from 1985 through 2004. Analyses were performed to calculate the frequency of these events and the proportional mortality by species, year, month, state, and region. Salmonellosis was a significant contributor to mortality in many species of birds; particularly in passerines, for which 21.5% of all mortality events involved salmonellosis. The proportional mortality averaged a 12% annual increase over the 20-yr period, with seasonal peaks in January and April. Increased salmonellosis-related mortality in New England, Southeastern, and Mountain-Prairie states was identified. Based on the results of this study, salmonellosis can be considered an important zoonotic disease of wild birds.

Septicemic Salmonellosis Caused by Salmonella Hessarek in Wintering and Migrating Song Thrushes (Turdus Philomelos) in Spain

“…Salmonellosis outbreaks regularly cause mortality in wild birds in several areas of the world (Daoust et al, 2000;Refsum et al, 2003;Hall and Saito, 2008;Pennycott et al, 2010). These outbreaks mainly affect birds of the order Passeriformes and are commonly caused by Salmonella enterica subsp.…”

ENTERIC PATHOGENS AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN TURKEY VULTURES (CATHARTES AURA) FEEDING AT THE WILDLIFE–LIVESTOCK INTERFACE

“…causing clinical illness in turkey vultures, salmonellosis has been implicated in mass mortality events in other wild bird populations 6 and has caused significant production losses in the livestock industry. 13 Domestic fowl, in particular, are known to experience high morbidity due to a variety of Salmonella enterica serotypes, including some of those identified in turkey vultures sampled for this study (i.e., Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Anatum, and Salmonella Arizonae Type III_18:z4:z23).…”

Importance of Wild Species Kept in Captivity as Reservoirs of Salmonella Serotypes for Human in Petting Exhibitions and Zoo in Iran with Focus on Antimicrobial Resistance

“…Enteritidis and 40.6% Typhimurium) and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis are the two most common serovars associated with human disease, therefore, occurrence of these strains in zoo and pet species in Semnan represents a potential threat to public health (4,28). In some developed countries like the United States and in other areas of the world, Salmonella serovar Typhimurium is the second most commonly reported serotype causing salmonellosis in humans and the major cause of salmonellosis in wild birds with high mortality among infected birds (29)(30)(31). This data suggest the high importance of this serotype in animals mortality kept in captivity in Semnan, especially birds.…”