Borrelia garinii and Francisella tularensis subsp . holarctica detected in migratory shorebirds in Portugal

摘要: Migratory shorebirds use, among many, the East Atlantic Flyway that links breeding areas as north Tundra habitats to aquatic wintering grounds in West Africa. As a consequence, they are potentially important spread of global zoonotic diseases transmitted by ticks, such Lyme borreliosis and tularemia—two previously detected Portugal. In this study, we looked at infection status seven populations during their migration, breeding, or Portuguese wetlands access if carry these pathogens discuss potential risk wetlands. A total 212 migratory captured Tagus Sado estuaries; key staging sites flyway for some species were analyzed presence Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato Francisella tularensis. present B. garinii was identified (3%) specimens (five black-tailed godwits Limosa limosa, one common redshank Tringa totanus, little stint Calidris minuta), whereas F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (0.4%) stint. To our knowledge, is first evidence migrate through winter Portugal transport pathogens, contributing introduction along flyway, including Mediterranean region.