Screening for several potential pathogens in feral pigeons (Columba livia) in Madrid

Belén Vázquez,Elena Neves,Juan López,María Jesús Muñoz,Carlos Ballesteros,Fernando Esperón

doi:10.1186/1751-0147-52-45

Abstract

BackgroundPathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health.MethodsA total of 118 pigeons were captured in three samplings carried out in 2006-2007 in public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain. Standard haematological and morphological analyses were carried out on the pigeons. PCR was used to screen for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and Chlamydophila psittaci. Positive samples were confirmed by DNA sequencing.ResultsThe analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci (52.6%) and Campylobacter jejuni (69.1%) among the birds captured. In contrast, Campylobacter coli was rarely detected (1.1%).ConclusionsPigeons in Madrid can carry Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni. They may be asymptomatic or subclinical carriers of both pathogens.

Highlights

Pathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia)
One of the most frequent species is the feral pigeon (Columba livia), which can be present at densities higher than 2,000 individuals per km2, as in Milan [1] or Barcelona [2]
Birds Over a 12-month period in 2006-2007, 118 adult feral pigeons of both sexes were captured in several public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain

Summary

Introduction

Pathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health. One of the most frequent species is the feral pigeon (Columba livia), which can be present at densities higher than 2,000 individuals per km, as in Milan [1] or Barcelona [2]. There are few reports of disease transmission between pigeons and humans [3], their close interaction, together with the observation that these birds are vectors for zoonotic agents [4], may make them a public health risk. In several countries - e.g. England and Wales, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - Campylobacter jejuni infection causes more cases of

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Conclusion