A Decade of Data: E. coli Presence in Europe's Wild Bird Species – an epidemiological study

Abstract

Over the past decade, understanding the presence and dynamics of Escherichia coli in Europe's wild bird species has emerged as a critical area of research. This article synthesizes a comprehensive analysis of E. coli prevalence among wild bird populations across Europe from 2011 to 2022. Beginning with an overview of E. coli research in wild birds from 1997 to 2024, the review explores the evolution of scientific interest in this topic and highlights trends in publication frequency. A focused examination of publications reveals a surge in research activity, reflecting growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance and environmental health. Furthermore, the review presents a detailed analysis of E. coli isolates from wild birds, examining the annual distribution of cases and identifying patterns across different European countries. Additionally, the review identifies the top five bird species most frequently studied in relation to E. coli presence, providing insights into the focal points of research efforts. By synthesizing a decade's worth of data, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology and dynamics of E. coli infections in Europe's wild bird populations.

Keywords

• escherichia coli
• wild birds
• europe
• epidemiology