Articles

Presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat from the Mulundu department of the Ogooué–Lolo province, Gabon

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In Africa, most investigations on Salmonella spp. have focused on isolates from humans, poultry, and domestic animals, whereas studies on wild terrestrial mammals remain limited. Consequently, the occurrence of Salmonella spp., particularly Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae, in African wildlife is underreported. In Gabon, there is little to no information on the presence of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat. This study aimed to isolate and characterise antibiotic resistance in S. enterica subsp. arizonae recovered from wildlife in Mulundu department, Lastoursville, Gabon. A total of 147 bushmeat samples representing 20 animal species were collected. After bacterial culture and identification, 23 samples (15.65%) from eight species were positive for S. enterica subsp. arizonae. The distribution of isolates was as follows: Peters’ duiker (34.78%), blue duiker (26.09%), African wood owl (13.04%), moustached monkey (8.69%), pangolin (4.35%), genet (4.35%), crocodile (4.35%), and African brush-tailed porcupine (4.35%). Resistance profiles revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. One isolate from a moustached monkey showed resistance to three antibiotic families, namely sulfonamides (sulfonamide), fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin), and β-lactams (cefoxitin, ampicillin). Another isolate from a Peters’ duiker exhibited resistance to six antibiotics: cefotaxime, cefepime, sulfonamide, ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. Additionally, isolates from Peters’ duiker (n=3), blue duiker (n=2), wood owl (n=1), genet (n=1), and pangolin (n=1) were resistant to ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. These findings demonstrate the circulation of S. enterica subsp. arizonae in wildlife consumed as bushmeat in Gabon. This represents a potential source of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens for human populations relying on game meat.

Man Wild-Life Conflict in Katra (Jammu and Kashmir)

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The study was carried out in two main blocks of Reasi district that is Panthal and katra and few villages prone to man-wildlife conflicts, namely: Manion, Kunya, Manoon, baniya, sool, kakryal, dadoora, Chak Bhagtha. As human population extends to wild animal habitats, Natural life territory is displaced. The population density of wildlife and human overlaps increasing their interaction thus resulting in increase physical conflict. Increase in the population results in decrease of the forest area. Majority of the people are living near the forest area and they are encroaching the area, they directly or indirectly interfering in the habitat of wild animals. Mostly the people of these villages are dependent on the agriculture; few have their owned business like shops. In the study area, the causative factors regarding these conflicts have been identified as natural attraction towards crop and scarcity of food. Monkeys have been found to be the most problematic animals, followed by leopard and bear.