Title
Zoonotic pathogens associated with illegal trafficking of wild birds as a potential risk to public health
Author(s)
Fabiola A. Suárez-Guzmán; Karina Salazar; Erika Alandia; François Rebaudo
Published
2021
Publisher
Boletín de la Asociación Boliviana de Ornitología
Abstract
In Bolivia, bird trade and trafficking have been identified as a threat to species conservation, but little is known about their role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. In order to detect the presence of the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, responsible for chlamydiosis, a potentially dangerous zoonosis due to contact between humans and psittacine birds, molecular diagnostic tests (PCR) were used to determine its prevalence in birds seized from illegal markets and in birds voluntarily surrendered. In order to associate risk factors and achieve a first approach to the epidemiological role of psittacine birds in the transmission of C. psittaci to exposed human populations, by developing the temporal dynamics of the bacterium through a mathematical SIR model. The laboratory analyses carried out allowed identifying for the first time in Bolivia the circulation of C. psittaci in psittacine birds, and the positive cases (30%) could be related to overcrowding, poor hygiene and welfare conditions that lead to stress and poor health conditions in illegal markets. Birds that are voluntarily surrendered also showed a high prevalence (33%), probably due to the handling and environmental conditions prior to surrender. On the other hand, no relationship was established between the presence of the bacterium in birds with signs of disease. The SIR model developed from data and theoretical mechanisms in a closed population of commercial wild birds established the probability of transmission between wild birds, domestic birds and humans. An increased risk in the prevalence of the bacterium in humans and birds could occur as the volume of commercialization of wild and domestic birds increases, suggesting monitoring the circulation of C. psittaci in psittacine birds, domestic birds and people with whom they come into contact.
Keywords
zoonoses; Chlamydophila psittaci; psittacidal traffic; SIR model; SIR model

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PUB27329