Antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococci isolated from the faeces of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the staphylococcal flora associated with wild turkey populations. Methods and Results: Faecal samples obtained from 26 wild turkeys over a 16‐month period were inoculated onto mannitol salt agar plates to select for staphylococci. Fifty‐seven randomly chosen isolates were identified as Staphylococcus lentus and their susceptibility determined against clindamycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, oxacillin, penicillin G, rifampin, tetracycline, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, and vancomycin. Resistance was minimal as only 3 isolates showed resistance to clindamycin, 3 isolates were resistant to oxacillin, 3 isolates were resistant to penicillin G, and 1 isolate was resistant to erythromycin. Multiple antibiotic resistance was also minimal. Conclusions: S. lentus is the predominant staphylococcal species associated with wild turkey faeces and antibiotic resistance in these organisms is not problematic. Significance and Impact of the Study: S. lentus has been shown as a potential causative agent of inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract. Due to increased numbers of wild turkeys and more frequent human exposure, surveys to monitor microbial populations are warranted.