Do Canada geese (Branta canadensis Linnaeus, 1758) carry infectious agents for birds and man?

• Published in: European journal of wildlife research 2004-07, Vol.50 (2), p.78
• Main Authors: B nner, BrigitteM, Lutz, Walburga, J ger, Sabine, Redmann, T., Reinhardt, B., Reichel, U., Krajewski, V., Weiss, R., Wissing, J., Knickmeier, W., Gerlich, W.H., Wend, UlrikeC, Kaleta, E.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic birds; Birds; Newcastle disease; Risk assessment; Risk factors; Sexually transmitted diseases; STD; Waterfowl
• ISSN: 1612-4642; 1439-0574
• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-004-0044-1

Currently, large groups of Canada geese (Branta canadensis Linnaeus, 1758) aggregate in recreational areas of north-western Germany. Questions have arisen as to whether these birds represent a special risk factor as a source of zoonotic agents for humans and as a source of viruses, causing notifiable or reportable diseases, for domestic poultry and waterfowl. To answer these questions, a total of 289 eggs were collected in 2002 and 2003 on a recreation site and assayed. Chlamydia psittaci was not isolated and neither was chlamydial antigen detected by polymerase chain reaction. All virus-isolation attempts were unsuccessful. Neither Salmonella spp. nor Campylobacter spp. was isolated from embryonic tissues, chorioallantoic membranes or yolk-sac membranes. The presence of antibodies against Newcastle disease virus and influenza A virus (haemagglutinin subtypes H5 and H7) was demonstrated in egg yolk. Antibodies were also detected against the egg-drop syndrome 1976 and duck plague viruses. It is concluded that further surveillance studies are needed for a reliable risk assessment.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]