Isolation of Salmonella spp. in captive Psittaciformes from zoos and a commercial establishment of Fortaleza, Brazil

Studies have emphasized the importance of wild birds in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to other animals, whether wild or industrial birds, as well as in humans. Among these microorganisms, Salmonella spp. has shown relevant importance. Sousa et al. (2010a) captured 48 wild birds near poultry facilities in the North of São Paulo city, Brazil and detected three birds positive for Salmonella (Zenaida auriculata, Cariama cristata and Theristicus caudatus), which demonstrated that free-living birds may carry and disseminate pathogenic agents, presenting a risk for poultry. Silva et al. (2010) emphasized the importance of members of the Ciconiiformes order as carriers of Salmonella to other wild birds as well as to poultry. 