Bacteriological study of the feathers and lice of captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo)

We have investigated the external and internal bacterial flora associated with several species of lice parasites of captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and studied the bacterial flora on the host feathers. The bacterial flora inside the ectoparasites was significatively different from that of their surface. Bacteria of genus Staphylococcus, especially S. aureus, predominated, being more abundant on lice surface. Bacillus was another Gram-positive bacteria frequently isolated, although it was more abundant as a component of the internal flora. A very low number of enterobacteria and strict anaerobes was obtained. Bacteria isolated from bird feathers reveal some contamination from humans.