Abstract

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials has been a major public health concern in recent years. The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in human healthy, animal medicine and agriculture, greatly contributes to this condition. In last decade, several living organisms contaminated/infected with these antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, especially captive and wild birds, has been identified. Since birds have the ability to reach long distances through flight, especially wild birds, these animals can become agents of disseminated infection and are being considered reservoirs of resistance genes. In this context, this mini-review aims to shed light on recent findings related to the degree of contamination of these animals with resistant microorganisms as well as their potential as vectors of disease agents.

Keywords: Antimicrobial agents; Bacteria resistance; Birds; Infection