The role of gulls in Alaska in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant E. coli
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose challenges to human healthcare globally; however, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and spread of such bacteria in the environment by wildlife. The aim of this project was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in migratory birds at urban and remote locations in Alaska.Abstract
The role of gulls in Alaska in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant E. coli project is conducted by two staff members of the Alaska Science Center (ASC) and was initiated after the finding of high bacterial levels in the Kenai River starting in 2014 by the State of Alaska. Current research objectives by the ASC include: (1) assessing maintenance, transmission and dispersal of antibiotic resistant E. coli in gulls of Alaska, (2) quantifying prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in wildlife and environmental sources across Alaska, and (3) determine migratory routes of large gull species that breeding in Alaska and are potential reservoir and dispersal agents of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Products
Contacts
Ahlstrom, Christina , 907-786-7174Ramey, Andrew M., 907-786-7174
Status: onGoing
Start Year: 2015
End Year: 2022
Project Sites
Collaborators
Alaska Department of Environmental ConservationLocation
City of SoldotnaMiddleton Island
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge
USGS Mission Area and Program
Ecosystems → Wildlife ProgramEnvironmental Health → Contaminant Biology