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Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere 2021; 49(05): 359-362
DOI: 10.1055/a-1580-8408
Original Article

Examination of common swifts (Apus apus) for salmonella shedding in the area of Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany

Untersuchung von Mauerseglern (Apus apus) auf die Ausscheidung von Salmonellen in der Region Hannover, Niedersachsen, Deutschland
Warakorn Tiyawattanaroj
1   Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
,
Arne Jung
2   Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
,
Lydia Mohr
2   Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
,
Marko Legler
1   Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract

Objective The available literature indicates a high prevalence of the zoonotic pathogen Salmonella (S.) enterica serovar Infantis in the common swift (Apus apus). This long-distance migrant, which only consumes aerial plankton, can reach high population densities in places with suitable breeding sites. Dedicated competent private persons take part in the hand rearing of juvenile common swifts in wildlife rescue centres, which unavoidably results in close contact with these avian patients. For this reason, we examined common swifts for shedding of Salmonella spp.

Material and methods In the years 2014 and 2019, intestinal swabs or fresh faeces of common swifts (2014: n = 54; 2019: n = 62) were examined microbiologically (DIN EN ISO 6579; Annex D) in the area of Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany.

Results Salmonella spp. could not be detected in any of the examined common swifts within the investigation period and the studied area in 2014 and 2019.

Conclusion and clinical relevance The results illustrate that the common swift is unlikely to be a natural reservoir of Salmonella spp. For the transmission of salmonella by swifts the local conditions with the corresponding environmental impact seem to play a significant role, and the risk of transmission should be assessed according to the region to be examined.

Zusammenfassung

Gegenstand und Ziel In der verfügbaren Literatur finden sich Angaben zu Infektionen mit Salmonella (S.) enterica serovar Infantis bei Mauerseglern (Apus apus) mit hoher Prävalenz. Der Mauersegler ernährt sich von Luftplankton, überwintert als Langstreckenzieher in Zentralafrika und kann in Abhängigkeit von den vorhandenen Brutmöglichkeiten hohe Bestandsdichten erreichen. Engagierte fachkundige Privatpersonen übernehmen die Pflege und Handaufzucht von verunfallten juvenilen Mauerseglern. Dies führt unweigerlich zu einem engen Kontakt zu diesen Vögeln. Mit diesem Hintergrund sollte bei Mauerseglern die Ausscheidung von Salmonella spp. untersucht werden.

Material und Methoden In den Jahren 2014 und 2019 wurden Darmabstriche oder frische Kotproben von Mauerseglern (2014: n = 54; 2019: n = 62) aus dem Raum Hannover, Niedersachsen, Deutschland, mikrobiologisch (DIN EN ISO 6579; Anhang D) auf das Vorkommen von Salmonella spp. untersucht.

Ergebnisse In beiden Untersuchungszeiträumen konnten bei keinem der untersuchten Mauersegler Salmonella spp. nachgewiesen werden.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Der Mauersegler stellt mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit kein natürliches Reservoir für Salmonellen dar. Bei der Übertragung von Salmonellen durch Mauersegler scheinen die lokalen Gegebenheiten mit der entsprechenden Kontamination der Umwelt eine wichtige Rolle zu spielen und sollten in eine Risikobeurteilung einbezogen werden.

Key words

Apodidae - zoonosis - salmonellosis - wild birds

Schlüsselwörter

Apodidae - Zoonose - Salmonellose - Wildvögel


Publication History

Received: 03 September 2020

Accepted: 20 January 2021

Article published online:
20 October 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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