How seagulls could KILL you: Australian birds can infect humans with deadly superbug, alarming new research finds
- New research found seagulls are infected with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
- The bacteria can cause deadly illnesses, like sepsis and urinary tract infections
- The study also said over 20 per cent of gulls were immune to some antibiotics
- Experts said the problem is widespread, and could effect livestock in the future
Alarming new research reveals seemingly-harmless seagulls could be infecting humans with deadly superbugs.
Perth’s Murdoch University found Australian silver gulls carry antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that causes potentially deadly illnesses in humans, including sepsis and urinary tract infections, The Courier Mail reported.
The study, released in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, was led by antimicrobial researcher Dr Sam Abraham, who said the problem is widespread.
Shocking new data reveals seemingly-harmless Australian seagulls could be infecting humans with deadly superbugs (stock)
‘Seagulls act as ecological sponges or bio-accumulators and we have earmarked them as a potential reservoir for agents that may cause human disease,’ he said.
‘This is the first comprehensive study establishing that seagulls across Australia are carriers of drug resistant disease-causing E coli that could affect humans.’
The study also showed that over 20 per cent of seagulls tested in Australia were also resistant to some antibiotics, which could affect livestock.
‘Humans are now transmitting their pathogens to commensal wildlife around Australia’s major cities,’ seabird ecologist Dr Nic Dunlop said.
‘These drug-resistant microbes are likely to be returned with interest through contaminated surfaces, water and food.’
Other collaborators in the research included NSW Department of Primary Industries, the University of Adelaide and the Statens Serum Institut in Demark.
The study also showed that over 20 per cent of seagulls tested in Australia were also resistant to some antibiotics, which could affect livestock (stock image)