Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens from zoo animal populations.

Abstract

Pathogenic bacteria Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter were screened for in Topeka and Emporia Zoo animal populations. At the Emporia Zoological Park specimens were collected in three samplings from February to September, 1991, whereas sampling at the Topeka Zoological Park was conducted on four dates from May to August, 1991. A total of 170 fecal samples was collected from several species including birds, reptiles, primates and felines. In both zoos all accessible animals were included in an initial screening. Any animals shedding bacterial pathogens were also sampled in the further screenings, in addition to animals in close proximity to these, as well as animals on the same basic diet regimen as positive carriers. This method of sampling was used to determine if bacterial pathogens were still present, and if these pathogens had spread to nearby animals. Plus, if other bacterial pathogens were introduced during the study, they could also be identified in this way. The only bacterial pathogens isolated were serotypes of the genus Salmonella. This bacterium is typically associated with foodborne illness and has been implicated in severe gastroenteritis and typhoid fever. However, all Salmonella isolates in this study were non-typhoidal. Results from this study may suggest that transmission has occurred, but increased sampling and further analysis of other variables such as diet will be needed to confirm transmission.