A recent study has uncovered that urban birds, such as ducks and crows, could be significant carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This discovery suggests a pressing need for policymakers and health professionals to consider how these bacteria, also known as antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, can spread beyond traditional hospital environments.
Urban Birds as Reservoirs of AMR Bacteria
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the antibiotics that are typically used to eliminate them. The study found that birds living in close proximity to humans, particularly in urban areas, carry a broader spectrum of bacterial strains and up to three times more AMR genes compared to birds residing in remote areas like mountains.
“This is the first study to demonstrate that wild bird populations in cities act as reservoirs of bacteria resistant to many crucial human antibiotics,” said Professor Samuel Sheppard from the Oxford University. He further emphasized that this includes genes associated with resistance to a variety of commonly used antibiotics.
The Scope of the Research
Researchers analyzed 700 bacterial samples from the gut microbiomes of 30 species of wild birds across eight countries, including the UK. The focus was on Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in bird guts that can cause diarrhea in humans. The study revealed that genetic markers for antimicrobial resistance were present across all bird species examined.
Implications for Public Health and Agriculture
Professor Sheppard, who leads digital microbiology and bioinformatics at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, stressed the broader implications of these findings. “Antimicrobial resistance is a complex issue affecting not just human health but also animals and the environment. Wild birds could potentially transfer AMR across long distances, affecting livestock raised for meat and even pets. This could have significant economic consequences for agriculture, animal welfare, and food security.”
Urbanization and the Spread of AMR
As urbanization continues to expand, the resulting environmental disruption increases the likelihood of contact between humans and wild animals. This growing interaction could facilitate the spread of AMR bacteria from animals to humans, particularly in densely populated urban areas. The study’s findings underscore the importance of understanding how human activities are influencing the spread of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
The Need for Global Action
The researchers believe that the data from this study will be crucial for future research aimed at fully understanding the impact of human expansion on the spread of zoonotic diseases and AMR. “Our study highlights the need for coordinated global action that considers wildlife conservation, public health, and agriculture to limit the far-reaching impacts of AMR,” said Professor Sheppard.
The complete findings of this study are published in the journal Current Biology.
