The issue of antibiotic resistance must be addressed with a One Health approach. This includes considering the environment, where wildlife plays a significant role, particularly birds, due to their greater capacity to spread pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant ones. Free-ranging wildlife has not been treated with antibiotics, and therefore, it is not expected to carry strains resistant to antibiotics commonly used in human or veterinary medicine. Finding such strains may indicate the degree of environmental contamination.

At IRTA-CReSA, we study the presence and dispersal capacity of zoonotic bacteria (such as Salmonella and Campylobacter) and their resistant strains in specific seabird species, which, due to their opportunistic feeding habits, may be more prone to infection by these pathogens. Some gull species and birds of prey are examples. We also investigate their presence in seabirds from remote areas, such as the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, to assess the impact of human activity in these regions.

About the author of this post:

Marta Cerdà

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