First Confirmation of Lactococcus lactis Infection in Waterfowl
Author Information
Author(s): Joaquin Goyache, Ana I. Vela, Alicia Gibello, Maria M. Blanco, Victor Briones, Sergio Gonzalez, Sonia Tellez, Cristina Ballesteros, Lucas Dominguez, Jose F. Fernandez-Garayzabal
Primary Institution: Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
Is Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis pathogenic in waterfowl?
Conclusion
This study provides the first microbiologic and molecular evidence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis infection in waterfowl.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 3,000 waterfowl were affected, with a 20% mortality rate.
- Clinical isolates showed an identical biochemical profile identified as L. lactis subsp. lactis.
- PCR confirmed the presence of L. lactis subsp. lactis in the clinical samples.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a type of bacteria called Lactococcus lactis made some waterfowl sick, which is the first time this has been seen in animals.
Methodology
Microbiologic analysis and molecular techniques including PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were used to identify the bacteria.
Limitations
The study could not rule out other possible causes for the mass deaths of the waterfowl.
Participant Demographics
Affected birds included coots, shovelers, and mallards.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website