ISOLATION OF Edwardsiella tarda FROM AQUATIC ANIMAL SPECIES AND SURFACE WATERS IN FLORIDA

Abstract

Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from lakes and streams in Northcentral Florida. This emerging enteric bacterial pathogen also was isolated from alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and brown pelicans (Pelecannus occidentalis carolinensis) on several occasions, and from other species including the ring-billed gull (Larus delewarensis), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), common loon (Gavia immer), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Hemorrhagic enteritis was found in association with E. tarda in some of the species presented.