Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni from migratory waterfowl

Abstract

Since the sources from which humans acquire Campylobacter enteritis are only partially known, the frequency of carriage of C. fetus ssp. jejuni in migratory waterfowl was studied. Cecal contents of various species of wild ducks were cultured on selective media that contained antibiotics to inhibit normal flora. Thirty-five percent of the 445 ducks cultured harbored C. fetus ssp. jejuni. Migratory waterfowl are yet another reservoir for this enteric pathogen and may be of public health importance for humans in the contamination of water or when used as food.