The Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca) as a Reservoir of Zoonotic and Livestock Pathogens

Over the last 20 years, Australian white ibis populations (Threskiornis molucca) have expanded into urban areas, leading to increased contact between ibis, domestic animals, and humans. This has led to concern that ibis may transmit pathogens that threaten public health or food production. Here we report results from a study of ibis viral serology and bacterial culture that indicate that ibis are hosts of zoonotic and livestock pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Newcastle disease virus, avian influenza virus, and flaviviruses in Australia. We also performed a behavioral study to measure contact rates among ibis, people, and livestock that determine the potential for disease transmission.