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Bacteriological survey of feces from feral pigeons in Japan
Chikako Tanaka1, Takayuki Miyazawa, Masahisa Watarai
1Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Some public areas in Japan such as parks and gardens can be highly contaminated with pigeon feces. We examined levels of four bacterial contaminations in fecal samples from feral pigeons in 7 prefectures. We isolated Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Cerro from 17 (3.9%) of 436 samples, as well as Mycobacterium spp. including M. avium-intracellulare complex from 29 (19.0%) of 153 samples. The polymerase chain reaction detected Chlamydia psittaci and C. pecorum in 106 (22.9%) of 463 samples, but E. coli O-157 was not isolated from any of the samples. Our results indicate that pigeon feces are a source of several zoonotic agents for birds, animals and humans.
Insights
Feral pigeon feces in Japan are frequently contaminated with zoonotic bacteria like Salmonella and Chlamydia psittaci. These findings highlight pigeons as a potential source of infection for humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Public areas in Japan, including parks and gardens, can exhibit high levels of contamination from feral pigeon feces.
- Feral pigeons are ubiquitous in urban and peri-urban environments, increasing potential for disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific bacterial zoonotic agents in feral pigeon fecal samples across seven Japanese prefectures.
- To assess the risk posed by pigeon feces as a reservoir for pathogens transmissible to humans, animals, and birds.
Main Methods:
- Collection and microbiological examination of feral pigeon fecal samples from various locations in Japan.
- Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Cerro, Mycobacterium spp., Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pecorum, and E. coli O-157.
- Utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Chlamydia species.
Main Results:
- Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Cerro were isolated from 3.9% of samples.
- Mycobacterium spp., including the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex, were identified in 19.0% of samples.
- Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pecorum were detected in 22.9% of samples via PCR, while E. coli O-157 was not found.
Conclusions:
- Feral pigeon feces in Japan serve as a significant reservoir for zoonotic bacterial agents.
- The identified pathogens pose a potential health risk to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans through environmental contamination.
- Public health strategies should consider the role of feral pigeons in the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
