Human-associated staphylococcal infection in Spanish imperial eagles

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Biology
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Staphylococcus spp. are common bacteria that can cause infections in various animal species.
• The Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) is an endangered raptor species requiring conservation efforts.
• Handling nestlings during conservation interventions can pose a risk of pathogen transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of handling methods on the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. infections in Spanish imperial eagle nestlings.
• To assess the effectiveness of using gloves during nestling handling to prevent bacterial transmission.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study was conducted at Doñana National Park, Spain, from 1986 to 1993.
• Nestlings were divided into two groups: one handled with bare hands (n=66) and the other with gloves (n=46).
• Prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. infections was compared between the two handling groups.

Main Results:

• Staphylococcal infections were detected in 45% (30/66) of nestlings handled without gloves.
• Only 4% (2/46) of nestlings handled with gloves showed staphylococcal infections.
• A statistically significant reduction in infection rates was observed in the glove-handled group.

Conclusions:

• Bare-hand handling of Spanish imperial eagle nestlings is associated with a significantly higher risk of Staphylococcus spp. infections.
• Gloved-hand handling is an effective biosecurity measure to reduce bacterial transmission and protect vulnerable raptor populations.
• Implementing simple protective measures like gloves is crucial for minimizing disease transmission during wildlife management and conservation.