Detection of zoonotic pathogens in feral pigeon droppings in Gwangju, South Korea
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초록
Feral pigeons living in densely populated urban areas are potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens that may affect public health. This study investigated the prevalence of six zoonotic agents in fecal samples collected from pigeons across five districts of Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea, between April and November 2024. A total of 60 composite fecal samples, collected from 50 roosting sites near high-traffic public spaces, were tested for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Chlamydia psittaci , Cryptococcus spp., and the avian influenza virus using both culture and PCR methods. Campylobacter jejuni was detected in 6.7% of the samples (4/60; 95% CI: 1.9∼16.2%), while Salmonella Typhimurium was found in 1.7% (1/60; 95% CI: 0.0∼8.9%). No other pathogens were identified. Fisher’s exact test indicated no significant geographic clustering (P=0.294). The detection rates were lower than those reported in Seoul and other European cities, which may be attributed to regional differences in urban ecology, pigeon population density, or variations in sampling methods. Despite the relatively low prevalence, the presence of these human-pathogenic bacteria underscores the ongoing zoonotic risks and highlights the importance of continuous urban wildlife surveillance to guide public health interventions.
Abstract
Feral pigeons living in densely populated urban areas are potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens that may affect public health. This study investigated the prevalence of six zoonotic agents in fecal samples collected from pigeons across five districts of Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea, between April and November 2024. A total of 60 composite fecal samples, collected from 50 roosting sites near high-traffic public spaces, were tested for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Chlamydia psittaci , Cryptococcus spp., and the avian influenza virus using both culture and PCR methods. Campylobacter jejuni was detected in 6.7% of the samples (4/60; 95% CI: 1.9∼16.2%), while Salmonella Typhimurium was found in 1.7% (1/60; 95% CI: 0.0∼8.9%). No other pathogens were identified. Fisher’s exact test indicated no significant geographic clustering (P=0.294). The detection rates were lower than those reported in Seoul and other European cities, which may be attributed to regional differences in urban ecology, pigeon population density, or variations in sampling methods. Despite the relatively low prevalence, the presence of these human-pathogenic bacteria underscores the ongoing zoonotic risks and highlights the importance of continuous urban wildlife surveillance to guide public health interventions.