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Fate and Transport of Avian-Associated Pathogens in Western Lake Erie Beaches

Rea, Christopher L

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Public Health.
Avian species can carry infectious diseases, and their behaviors and migrations can lead to the spread of pathogens of human health concern. Birds congregate on beaches and in nearby areas where they can disperse pathogens to recreational and drinking waters. Some avian species migrate thousands of miles each year, potentially transporting and dispersing pathogens, including emerging infectious diseases, over enormous distances. Wildlife-borne zoonoses dominate increasing numbers of emerging infectious disease events; representing significant public health burdens. Agricultural run off can also contaminate water and demands on water resources are rising. Ecosystems may protect water quality and support public health. However, wetland ecosystems often serve as habitat for dense populations of birds. Hydrological and ecological changes resulting from a changing climate will likely impact infectious diseases. Understanding ecosystem roles in disease processes is important for climate change preparedness and adaptation planning efforts. Sampling locations for this study were located within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) and the adjacent Magee Marsh Wildlife Area; both areas host dense, diverse avian populations in close proximity to recreational waters. Bacterial (Campylobacter spp., Arcobacter spp., E. coli), and protozoan (Cryptosporidium spp.) pathogens were selected for study inclusion because of their associations with avian species, their potential to cause human morbidity and mortality, and their designation as causative agents for emerging infectious diseases. Using molecular and laboratory techniques, study results qualitatively and quantitatively characterized four human pathogens potentially carried by Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis). The study also examined ecosystem services provided by a wetland adjacent to a beach where human exposures to contaminated water could occur. Statistical analyses were completed to evaluate and characterize relationships between avian species, pathogens, and environmental variables. Based on reductions in fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli) (FIB) and nutrient concentrations, results from the study suggest the ONWR wetland may be contributing to improved water quality, thus benefiting human and downstream ecosystem health. Findings indicate that Arcobacter spp. are present and risk of infection and illness from this pathogen are above recreational water quality guidelines even when FIB indicate low risk. The study also suggests that, although Canada geese are present and abundant throughout the year, their contribution to surface water contamination may be minimal and possibly offset by the wetland’s water cleansing ecosystem services. The study improves understanding of avian-associated pathogens in a near shore environment and spatiotemporal data to assess human health risk resulting from exposure to recreational waters. The study increases awareness of Arcobacter risks associated with recreational water exposures in western Lake Erie. The results advance the science and provide accurate information regarding avian-associated pathogens and their possible impact on human health. Findings highlight the importance of wetland ecosystems and their possible role in disease-regulation. Evaluating potential water contamination sources and wetland ecosystem services allows decision-makers to be better equipped to understand and forecast health threats and to consider strategies to mitigate risks. Future investigations of possible water contamination sources should be done in order to detect and evaluate distal mitigation opportunities.
Jiyoung Lee, PhD (Advisor)
Michael Bisesi, PhD (Committee Member)
J.R. Wilkins, III, BCE, DrPH (Committee Member)
Thomas Wittum, PhD (Committee Member)
117 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rea, C. L. (2013). Fate and Transport of Avian-Associated Pathogens in Western Lake Erie Beaches [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1385999641

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rea, Christopher. Fate and Transport of Avian-Associated Pathogens in Western Lake Erie Beaches. 2013. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1385999641.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rea, Christopher. "Fate and Transport of Avian-Associated Pathogens in Western Lake Erie Beaches." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1385999641

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)