Antibiotic- resistance patterns of Gram -negative bacterial isolates from breeder Canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) with clinical disease

The emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics used in veterinary practice is considered a source of multidrug resistant infection for humans. Although increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance in small animal practices has already been noted, limited information is available about the problem in Domestic Canary (Serinus canaria domestica). This paper describes the prevalence of Gram negative bacteria among symptomatic canaries and the antimicrobial sensitivity of bacterial isolates. During the breeding season, a bacteriological survey was performed in 50 amateur breeding aviaries of Messina Province (Sicily, South of Italy) to detect the prevalence of Gram negative bacteria in sick birds. Fecal samples from breeder canaries were submitted for bacteriological examination. Forty three of 50 (86%) breeding aviaries were positive for Gram negative bacteria. Eighty eight bacterial isolates, representing 12 genera of bacteria, were cultured. The most frequently recovered bacterial species was Escherichia coli (31/88 isolates; 35.2%). Other frequently isolated species were Enterobacter cloacae (9/88 isolates;10.2%) and Proteus mirabilis (6/88 isolates; 6.8%). Potentially pathogenic species, including Salmonella Typhimurium (n. 5 strains), Enterobacter sakazakii (n. 4 strains) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n. 6 strains), were also identified. The 88 isolates displayed significant frequencies of antibiotic resistance. The statistical analysis of the results was made using the z-test. These results confirm the potential presence of multi resistant bacteria in canaries facilities, suggesting that measures to educate the public about this risk are necessary.