Role of ornamental birds in the transmission of zoonotic pathogen and AMR: A growing public health concern

Authors: Rony I. Masud, Rownak Jahan, Zuhayr Bakhtiyar, Tabeer H. Antor, Dilruba A. Jany, Naeem A. I. Fahim and Md. Tanvir Rahman

Ger. J. Microbiol. 2024. vol. 4, Iss. 3 pp:45-55
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjm.2024.3.0042

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Abstract:

Globally, ornamental birds are gaining popularity as exotic pets because of their high aesthetic value. Although keeping ornamental birds is a thousand-year-old tradition, in recent years, the market size has increased notably, and the population of ornamental birds is increasing tripinnately. However, serious public health concerns about their growing domestication and commerce exist. These birds may act as zoonotic pathogen reservoirs and vectors, allowing the spread of genes that cause antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and the environment. Numerous variables, such as ornamental birds' extensive breeding, international trade, and intimate contact with people, contribute to the spread of zoonotic infections and AMR through these birds. Notably, these birds are frequently linked to certain infections, including Salmonella spp. and Chlamydia psittaci, which can be dangerous for pet owners and professionals handling them. Moreover, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are frequently found in ornamental birds, which helps disseminate AMR genes in the environment through their secretions and excrement. The part ornamental birds play in the spread of AMR still needs to be better understood despite mounting evidence. This analysis emphasizes the necessity of strong monitoring programs, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and more stringent biosecurity protocols to reduce these hazards. It also highlights our limitations in understanding ornamental birds' microbiota and how it interacts with environmental resistance. Understanding these dynamics using cuttingedge molecular and metagenomic techniques should be the primary goal of future studies. The review's conclusions are essential for directing One Health initiatives to counteract zoonotic illnesses and AMR because human, animal, and environmental health are intertwined. Together, legislators, scientists, and the general public can mitigate the new risks that ornamental birds present while guaranteeing their safe assimilation into human society by tackling these problems.

Keywords:

Ornamental birds, Antimicrobial resistance, Zoonosis, Public health

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