Urban Birds Identified as Significant Carriers of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
New research highlights the role of city-dwelling birds in the spread of antimicrobial resistance, posing a potential threat to human health.
Overview
- Study analyzed 700 bacterial samples from 30 bird species across eight countries.
- Birds in urban areas carry up to three times more antibiotic-resistant genes than rural birds.
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in birds can transfer to humans, livestock, and pets.
- Sources of contamination include wastewater, landfill sites, and untreated sewage.
- Experts call for coordinated global action to address the spread of antimicrobial resistance.