Contamination Levels and Pathogen Distribution in Avian Habitats of Sindh and Azad Jammu & Kashmir
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.004.01.01171Keywords:
Birds, Environment, Living Condition, Pathogens, RoutesAbstract
The transmission of infectious pathogens among migratory and caged birds poses significant risks to avian and public health, emphasizing the need for effective disease monitoring and control. This study investigates microbial contamination in 200 samples from various caged and free-living avian habitats across Sindh Province and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, including feed, water, feces, litter/bedding, cages, and predatory nets. The samples were analyzed using culture, staining, biochemical profiling for isolation and identification of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. The overall contamination rate was 43%, with bird feces exhibiting the highest contamination compared to samples from other sources. Litter/bedding contamination was more prevalent in Sindh compared to AJK, with significant bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens identified, including fecal pathogens such as E. coli (8.14%), Salmonella spp. (6.98% & 5.81%), and Chlamydia psittaci (5.81%). Fungal contamination was more dominant in feed and litter/bedding, with Aspergillus fumigates identified (5.81%) in feed and (4.65%) in litter/bedding, respectively. Candida albicans was more prevalent in feces (4.65%), while Cryptococcus neoformans was detected in both feces and litter/bedding ranging (4.65 to 3.49%). Both, Newcastle disease virus and infectious bronchitis virus were more prevalent in litter/bedding and feces, occurring at (5.81%) and (3.49%), respectively. Statistical analysis revealed non- significant differences (p > 0.05) in contamination levels across most sample types, suggesting similar contamination trends across both regions, with some minor variations in litter/bedding samples. This study revealed that feces were a significantly higher source of bacterial pathogens compared to other sample types, while litter/bedding exhibited significant viral and fungal contamination, particularly for viruses. Fungal contamination was also notable in feed. This study underscores the drastic need for effective monitoring and control of the pathogens in caged and free-living birds to reduce risks to avian species.
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