Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enterococci Isolated from Nestlings of Wild Birds Feeding in Supplementary Feeding Stations: The Case of the Canarian Egyptian Vulture

Pathogens. 2024 Oct 1;13(10):855. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13100855.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide, requiring a holistic "One Health" strategy to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This study focused on Enterococci isolated from Canary Island Egyptian vulture chicks, an endangered species that feeds at supplementary feeding stations in the Canary Islands. Sampling and identification revealed the presence of several Enterococcus species, with a predominance of E. faecalis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed resistance patterns, especially to important antibiotics such as quinolones, vancomycin, and linezolid. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant profiles was lower than that in other wild bird species. This study underscores the need for further research to understand the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in wildlife and its implications for public health and conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of a "One Health" approach to address this pressing problem.

Keywords: Canarian Egyptian vulture; Enterococci; One Health; antimicrobial resistance; multidrug resistance; wildlife surveillance.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the General Directorate for the Protection of Nature (Government of the Canary Islands), through the operational program of the Canary Islands region in the implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER Canary Islands 2014-2020) and funds from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.