Detection of Mycobacterium spp. in apparently healthy caged birds

Caged birds can be carriers of some human pathogens and some of these can be transmitted to people. Although avian mycobacteriosis is not prevalent among domestic fowl used for intensive husbandry, it has been described in both free living birds and birds in captivity, e.g., zoological gardens and small fowl flocks. Considering people s interests to keep wild cage birds and the potential ability of wild cage birds to transmit mycobacteria to humans, the present study was conducted to evaluate mycobacterium spp. infection in caged birds by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Altogether 80 samples of different birds (Parrot, Budgerigar, Mynah, Finch, Cockatiel, Pigeon) feces were collected were collected with sterile cotton swabs from different areas of Mazandaran province, Iran and evaluated for detection of mycobacteria by PCR methods. Mycobacterium spp. was found in 34 out 80 fecal samples. Present study suggests caged birds feces is an important source of mentioned bacteria.