First report of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis in common swifts (Apus apus)

Avian Pathol. 2013 Aug;42(4):323-6. doi: 10.1080/03079457.2013.799262. Epub 2013 May 30.

Abstract

Forty common swifts (Apus apus), synanthropic birds living in an urban environment closely with humans and other animals, were hospitalized in the public veterinary hospital of the Regional Reference Center of Urban Veterinary Hygiene located in Naples, Campania Region, Italy. Each bird was sampled for bacteriological analyses. Out of 40 common swifts examined, eight were found positive for Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis although no sign of salmonellosis (e.g. diarrhoea) was shown. This is believed to be the first report of Salmonella spp. infection in common swifts. Our results suggest this avian species as a novel potential reservoir for one of most important Salmonella serovars.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Bird Diseases / microbiology*
  • Birds
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary*
  • Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests / veterinary
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field / veterinary
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Salmonella enterica*