The prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in alive apparently healthy Crested lark in Sistan, Iran

Abstract EN

Escherichia coli (E.

coli) and Salmonella spp.

are known as the pathogenic organisms transmitted by wild birds, which can lead to food poisoning as well as zoonotic diseases.

No study was found to investigate the prevalence of these bacteria in Crested lark.

Thereby, the prevalence of E.

coli and Salmonella spp.

in Crested lark were aimed to survey.

The frequency of E.

coli and Salmonella spp.

were evaluated using conventional methods in cloacal samples collected from 100 alive Crested lark trapped in the Sistan, Iran.

The prevalence of E.

coli and Salmonella spp.

in the studied bird obtained 53% and 0%, respectively (p<0.05).

The results indicated that in the study area, Crested lark is probably associated with zoonotic hazard and it also can be regarded as an origin of microbial contamination in the environment, including E.

coli and probably Salmonella spp.

It is recommended to carry out further studies on viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, intermittently shedding and pathogenesis of Salmonella spp.

in the Crested lark.