Detecção de enterobactérias entre psitacídeos apreendidos do tráfico de animais selvagens e mantidos em centro de triagem para reabilitação e soltura

Pavlenco-Rocha, V. G.Barbosa, M. R. F.Gomes, V. T.Moreno, A. M.Knobl, T.

Abstract The wildlife trade is one of the most prevalent illegal activities worldwide, and Brazil is a significant contributor. Psittacidae species are highly desired by buyers due to their commercial appeal. Animals seized by the responsible agencies are typically sent to wild animal rehabilitation and triage centers (Centros de Reabilitação e Triagem de Animais Selvagens - CETAS), where multiple species cohabit under stress, potentially facilitating microbial transmission. In addition to ecological issues, the colonization and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms between individuals and the potential for these animals to serve as carriers and reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens constitute some of the most critical problems for both animal and human health. The microbiota of free-living psittaciformes is mostly composed of Gram-positive bacteria and the presence of Gram-negative bacteria can compromise the birds' health. This study aimed to characterize the enteric Gram-negative microbiota in psittacine birds rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and temporarily housed at a CETAS facility in São Paulo- Brazil. Cloacal swabs were collected every five days over a 45-day period to monitor the presence and variation of Gram-negative bacterial species during captivity. The results showed that all 19 birds (100%) tested positive for Gram-negative bacteria, with 87% of the isolates belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Among these, 46% were identified as Escherichia coli, 21% as Klebsiella spp., and 13% as Proteus spp. These findings highlight the need for microbiological screening during the rehabilitation process to mitigate health risks.