Swans in urban waterways, including Newbridge, might be spreading these bacteria, including strains resistant to last-resort antibiotics.
A University of Galway study has found that swans in Kildare and Dublin carry bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, similar to those causing tough-to-treat infections in people.
The WILD-AMR project discovered that swans in urban waterways, including Newbridge, might be spreading these bacteria, including strains resistant to last-resort antibiotics.
Key findings
65% of swans had at least one drug-resistant bacteria.
35 different resistant bacteria were detected, mostly multidrug-resistant E. coli.
Some E. coli strains were resistant to powerful antibiotics like carbapenems and colistin.
Over half belonged to high-risk strains known for causing infections in humans.
What This Means
Lead researcher Aneta Kovarova said the bacteria likely come from polluted water, including wastewater.
"It is likely that the high rate of detection of these AMR bacteria in swans is linked to human-associated pollution of their shared water habitat with treated and untreated wastewaters and through storm water overflows. However, direct spread from swan to swan cannot be ruled out."
Dr. Liam Burke, Lecturer at University of Galway, warned that swans in parks, lakes, and harbours could spread drug-resistant bacteria through their faeces.
He said it is “not a cause for alarm” but is a “useful piece of information if we want to keep an eye on AMR in wildlife”.
Why It Matters
Wildlife isn’t usually checked for drug-resistant bacteria, but researchers believe swans could help track the problem.
Since swans are already monitored, they could serve as an early warning system for AMR risks.
Watch: Abandoned Puppies Found By Kildare Animal Welfare Team In Dublin "House of Horrors"
Letter Sent To St John Of God Seeks Meeting Over Illegal Encampments At Abbey Car Park In Celbridge
Break-ins At Two Dunlavin Businesses Last Night: Cash Registers Stolen
Rental Crisis Worsens As Average Rent In Kildare Now Almost €2,000 Per Month
A Car Was Robbed Outside A Busy Takeaway In Clane Last Night
Kildare Town AFC And Newbridge Town AFC Secure Funding For Facility Upgrades
Pedestrian (70s) Dies In Crash On The N80 In Laois
Fraudster Who Posed As Au Pair In Kildare Received €36,200 In Arts Council Grants Using Fake Identity
