Isolation, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Owner Awareness of Pasteurella Species in Domesticated Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A One Health Perspective

Abstract

Pasteurellosis, caused by Pasteurella species, is a re-emerging bacterial disease of domesticated pigeons with significant veterinary and public health implications. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and owner awareness of Pasteurella species in domesticated pigeons and their environments in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. We examined 300 samples: 200 oropharyngeal and cloacal samples from pigeons and 100 environmental samples from pigeon pens, using standard microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and a structured questionnaire assessed knowledge and practices among 100 pigeon owners. Overall, 41 samples (13.7%; 95% CI: 10.2–18.0%) were positive for Pasteurella species, with significantly higher prevalence in pigeons (17.5%) than in environmental samples (6.0%) (χ² = 7.472; p = 0.0063). Prevalence was highest in pigeons from Gwange (31.0%) and among clinically sick birds (46.4%; p < 0.0001), males (25.5%; p = 0.0049), and squabs (26.9%; p = 0.0558). Fresh faecal deposits yielded the highest environmental isolation rate (16.0%). Antimicrobial resistance was highest against tetracycline (61.0%), oxytetracycline (61.0%), and erythromycin (56.1%), while enrofloxacin (70.7%) and ciprofloxacin (68.3%) were most effective. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 87.8% of all the isolates, with a mean MAR index of 0.43. Owner knowledge was poor, with mean knowledge and AMR awareness scores of 28.2% and 17.2%, respectively. These findings demonstrate significant Pasteurella burden and antimicrobial resistance in pigeons, underscoring the need for integrated One Health interventions.