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Written by Dr. David E. Marx D.V.M.
Golden Valley Pet and Pigeon Clinic
2707 NW 60th Ave.
Norman, OK 73072
A variety of Salmonella typhimurium which has developed significant drug resistance has been reported in the United States. The bacteria has produced significant disease in humans which has proven difficult to treat.
The organism was first reported in the United Kingdom and only recently has been reported in the U.S. This variety of the bacterium has been called DT 104; and is great concern to the public health personnel at the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
I spoke with Dr. Paul Mead at the CDC to find out more information. Some of the isolates turn out to be variety copenhagen which is the variety of S. typhimurium that most frequently affects pigeons; but not all of the DT 104 are var.copenhagen. The exact classification of the new strain is still in the state of flux as the experts learn more about it. The organism is suspected to affect humans via contaminated food sources or from household pets. The only domestic animals so far to be implicated are cattle and cats, but others are suspected. It is also possible that humans are the main reservoir and that we can infect each other and our domestic animals. There is still just not enough epidemiological information gathered.
The reason for us to be concerned is that this occurrence has reinforced the concern that common bacteria are becoming more and more resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This happens mainly when antibiotics are used incorrectly. Always use for a true reason (antibiotics are a treatment and not a preventive measure); use at the proper dosage; use for the proper period of time. If we are conscientious in our antibiotic usage with our pigeons we can decrease the frequency of resistant strains developing.
Salmonella infections in humans, that have been obtained from pigeons, are very few. This statistic could change if this resistant strain, which has more disease potential, begins to infect the pigeons. This is more of a reason to vaccinate regularly, against salmonella, to keep the bird's resistance, to this organism, high. Immunized pigeons contract infection significantly less than do non-immunized ones.
Vaccination is preventive medicine at its best. Indiscriminate antibiotic usage as a "preventive procedure" is bad medicine and does not work.