Wild Deer as reservoirs of manure pathogens and resistance genes

Abstract

This study investigated landscape correlates to the presence and distribution of zoonotic enteric pathogens and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in the feces of wild White Tail Deer as related to livestock and produce agriculture. Deer feces were collected on State and County forest lands within upstate N.Y., including the St Lawrence River Valley and Northern Adirondack State Park. Campylobacter spp., Salmonellae, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157 were detected in 57%, 72%, and 68% of all scat piles surveyed (n=135), respectively, but were greatest in samples collected from within the St Lawrence River Valley. Antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs), including Tet(Q), VanA, ErmB, and Sul(I), were detected in 58%, 19%, 0.74%, and 24% of all scat analyzed, respectively. ARGs were also greatest in samples collected from within the St Lawrence River Valley, with the exception of Sul(I), which was detected more often in samples collected from the Adirondack State Park. The results of this work indicate that wild deer in proximity to livestock agriculture and manure application to land harbor and shed significantly more ARGs and enteric pathogens than wild deer inhabiting regions with less intensive or nonexistent animal agriculture. These reservoirs of enteric zoonotic pathogens and antibiotic resistant genes may pose a risk to nearby produce and water quality.