Impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of recreational water.
We evaluated the impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of water. We measured fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Aeromonas spp. in the gull droppings and the number of fecal coliforms in the water prior to and after attracting these birds to the beach with food. Gulls can contribute to the bacteriological degradation of recreational water.
Benoît Leévesque
Service Santé et Environnement, Centre Hospitalier de l'Universit Laval, Québec, Canada G1V 2K8.
Brousseau
P
P
Simard
P
P
Dewailly
E
E
Meisels
M
M
Ramsay
D
D
Joly
J
J
D000333:Aeromonas / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001717:Birds / Q000382:microbiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014871:Water Microbiology