High prevalence of<i>Salmonella</i>and IMP-4-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the silver gull on Five Islands, Australia

Abstract

Our data demonstrate a large-scale transmission of carbapenemase-producing bacteria into wildlife, likely as a result of the feeding habits of the birds at a local waste depot. The isolates from gulls showed significant similarities with clinical isolates from Australia, suggesting the human origin of the isolates. The sources of CPE for gulls on Five Islands should be explored and proper measures applied to stop the transmission into the environment.