Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Chlamydia psittaci in Feral Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in Belgium

Abstract

Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of avian hosts and worldwide geographical spread. Zoonotic transfer occurs by inhalation or direct contact and may cause psittacosis or parrot disease. Host reservoirs of particular epidemiological interest include gregarious or migratory species, as colonial behavior facilitates microbial spread amongst conspecifics and a migratory ecology permits disperse over a wide geographic region. The current study detected C. psittaci antibodies in 76 of 81 (93.8%) feral Canada geese (Branta canadensis) using a species-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Viable C. psittaci were isolated from pharyngeal swabs of 47 of 81 (58%) birds, and subsequent ompA-based genotyping revealed genotypes E, B, and E/B. Absence of clinical symptoms in these geese could reflect a strong natural protection or a persistent infection. Canada geese are considered an important alien species in Europe. Current results denote that this avian reservoir poses a considerable risk to native wildlife as a potential source of C. psittaci.

Potential disease transmission from wild geese and swans to livestock, poultry and humans: a review of the scientific literature from a One Health perspective

“…The authors concluded that Canada geese are indeed part of the avian reservoir host system for this bacterium, and that they hence pose a risk to native wildlife. [133] However, a German study analysing eggs (n = 289) from Canada geese did not find any Chlamydophila/ Chlamydia bacteria at all. [24] To summarize, geese can harbour the Chlamydia and Chlamydophila bacteria, but there is no evidence that they are a relevant source of infection in poultry, livestock or humans.…”

“…Zoonotic transfer is linked to inhalation or direct contact. [133] The disease is sometimes referred to as 'psittacosis' or 'ornithosis', depending on the species affected. Birds are the natural reservoir, and transmission of disease between mammals is rare.…”

“…parrots, but there is also some information about its occurrence in geese. Dickx and coworkers [133] found C. psittaci antibodies in 94% (n = 81) of the feral Canada geese sampled in Belgium, and managed to isolate viable C. psittaci from 58% (n = 47) of these birds, although none of them showed any clinical signs of disease. This can be indicative of a persistent infection.…”

Primary Infection of Chlamydia psittaci Triggers Invasion of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus by Impairing Functions of Chicken Macrophages

“…Apart from overt clinical manifestations, latent C. psittaci infection can cause recurrent and chronicity diseases which take an adverse effect on the production performance of animals. Recently, C. psittaci prevalence in birds has been reported around the world [4][5][6][7].…”

Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in Belgian cattle with signs of respiratory disease and milk drop syndrome

“…As in other countries, C. psittaci is highly prevalent in domesticated and wild birds in Belgium (Vanrompay and others 1997, Dickx and others 2010, 2013). Despite its ubiquitous presence in cattle, as is the case in several European countries (Pospischil and others 2002, Borel and others 2006, Kauffold and others 2007, Teankum and others 2007, Kemmerling and others 2009), C. psittaci has not been detected nor looked for previously in Belgian cattle.…”