European Wild Carnivores and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Review

Andreia Garcês; Isabel Pires

doi:10.3390/antibiotics12121725

European Wild Carnivores and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Review

Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Dec 13;12(12):1725. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics12121725.

Authors

Andreia Garcês^{1

2}, Isabel Pires³

Affiliations

¹ Exotic and Wildlife Service from the Veterinary Hospital University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 4500-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
² Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
³ Center of Animal and Veterinary Science CECAV University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 4500-801 Vila Real, Portugal.

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a global concern that affects not only human health but also the health of wildlife and the environment. Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture can contribute to the development of resistance in these populations. Several European carnivore species, such as wolves, foxes, otters, and bears, can be exposed to antibiotics by consuming contaminated food, water, or other resources in their habitats. These animals can also be indirectly exposed to antibiotics through interactions with domestic animals and human activities in their environment. Antibiotic resistance in wildlife can harm ecosystem health and also impact human health indirectly through various pathways, including zoonotic disease transmission. Moreover, the spread of resistant bacteria in wildlife can complicate conservation efforts, as it can threaten already endangered species. This review aims to describe the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild carnivores in Europe.

Keywords: antibiotics; bacteria; carnivores; contamination; mammals; resistance; wild.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

The participation of Pires I was supported by the projects UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 and LA/P/0059/2020, funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) (project UIDB/CVT/0772/2020). The participation of Garcês A. was supported by National Funds from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under project UIDB/04033/2020.