학술논문
Clean bill of health? Towards an understanding of health risks posed by urban ibis
SHORT NOTE
SHORT NOTE
Document Type
Report
Author
Source
Journal of Urban Ecology. Annual 2019, Vol. 5 Issue 1, p1J, 8 p.
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Introduction Conservation of wetlands and their associated wildlife is of critical importance for ecosystem function and human aesthetics (Lemly, Kingsford, and Thompson 2000), but as human activity encroaches on wetlands, [...]
Urban waterbirds are considered both serious pests and inspiring wildlife. Ibis and gulls are often vilified due to their dirty appearance and disruption of outdoor activities, while ducks are affectionately fed in parks. However, all waterbirds are potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. In Sydney (Australia), we documented the relative prevalence of arbovirus exposure and Salmonella shedding in 72 Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis moluccus) at 2 urban sites in 2003 during a management cull and in 2015 as a response to increased public interest. We sampled during a period of peak human arbovirus and Salmonella infection risk in late summer and early autumn. In 2015, antibodies for the endemic West Nile virus Kunjin strain ([WNV.sub.KUN]) were detected in one bird. While not indicative of immediate public health risk, this highlights that an animal with a history of exposure was present or moved into a region not previously known to have endemic [WNV.sub.KUN] activity. However, the movement patterns of this individual and ([WNV.sub.KUN]) host competency of this species are unknown. An absence of other antibody responses suggests that ibis are not important viral reservoirs or flaviviruses are not widespread in Sydney. Assays failed to detect Salmonella in 2015, but 25% of individuals were positive in 2003. Further monitoring of the arguable health hazard represented by urban T. moluccus will facilitate informed decisions and solutions to urban bird and wetland management challenges. Key words: Threskiornis moluccus, flavivirus, Salmonella, West Nile virus, Kunjin virus, zoonotic
Urban waterbirds are considered both serious pests and inspiring wildlife. Ibis and gulls are often vilified due to their dirty appearance and disruption of outdoor activities, while ducks are affectionately fed in parks. However, all waterbirds are potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. In Sydney (Australia), we documented the relative prevalence of arbovirus exposure and Salmonella shedding in 72 Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis moluccus) at 2 urban sites in 2003 during a management cull and in 2015 as a response to increased public interest. We sampled during a period of peak human arbovirus and Salmonella infection risk in late summer and early autumn. In 2015, antibodies for the endemic West Nile virus Kunjin strain ([WNV.sub.KUN]) were detected in one bird. While not indicative of immediate public health risk, this highlights that an animal with a history of exposure was present or moved into a region not previously known to have endemic [WNV.sub.KUN] activity. However, the movement patterns of this individual and ([WNV.sub.KUN]) host competency of this species are unknown. An absence of other antibody responses suggests that ibis are not important viral reservoirs or flaviviruses are not widespread in Sydney. Assays failed to detect Salmonella in 2015, but 25% of individuals were positive in 2003. Further monitoring of the arguable health hazard represented by urban T. moluccus will facilitate informed decisions and solutions to urban bird and wetland management challenges. Key words: Threskiornis moluccus, flavivirus, Salmonella, West Nile virus, Kunjin virus, zoonotic