Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter and Salmonella strains isolated from decoys and raptors

• This is the first study on Campylobacter and Salmonella in waterfowl used as lures for hunting.
• Decoys and raptors can act as natural carriers of both zoonotic pathogens in Spain, which is of public and animal health concern.
• Decoys as well as raptors may be useful species for monitoring these zoonotic bacteria in the environment.
• The risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria to other species, including humans, should be considered.

Infections caused by thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the leading causes of human gastroenteritis worldwide. Wild birds can act as reservoirs of both pathogens. A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of thermotolerant Campylobacter and Salmonella in waterfowl used as decoys and wild raptors in Andalusia (Southern Spain). The overall prevalence detected for Campylobacter was 5.9% (18/306; CI95%: 3.25–8.52) in decoys and 2.3% (9/387; CI95%: 0.82–3.83) in wild raptors. Isolates were identified as C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari in both bird groups. Salmonella was isolated in 3.3% (10/306; CI95%: 2.3–4.3) and 4.6% (18/394; CI95%: 3.5–5.6) of the decoys and raptors, respectively. Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium were the most frequently identified serovars, although Salmonella serovars Anatum, Bredeney, London and Mikawasima were also isolated. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of isolates showed higher genetic diversity within Campylobacter species compared to Salmonella serovars. Campylobacter isolates showed resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, while resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline was found in Salmonella isolates. The results indicate that both decoys and raptors can act as natural carriers of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Spain, which may have important implications for public and animal health.