2.1. Sample Collection

Between 2017 and 2019, samples from 193 wild birds, 119 mammals, 35 terrestrial, and 21 swamp tortoises, from occasionally found carcasses, hunting activities, and regional recovery centers, located mainly in the provinces of Messina and Palermo, were analyzed (Figure 1).

Map of Sicily showing where the animals were obtained. Site A: Wildlife Rescue Center of Bosco di Ficuzza; site B: Parco delle Madonie; site C: Parco dei Nebrodi; site D: Wildlife Rescue Center “Stretto di Messina”.

The recovery centers collect wounded live animals that need care and carcasses from most of the Sicilian territory, although they are located near two of the largest Sicilian regional parks (Parco delle Madonie and Parco dei Nebrodi). Before sample collection, each animal was identified on a morphological basis to define the species. The 275 carcasses were subjected to necropsy, including gross examinations and tissue sample collections from the organs (intestines, liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, and lungs) for laboratory investigations.

From the live animals, mainly birds and turtles, housed in recovery centers, samples, including 79 swabs (oral, skin, rectal/cloacal, tracheal, of lesions) and 14 feces, were collected. These samples were collected by veterinary practitioners, who visited the rescued animals in the recovery centers, and were sent to the laboratory to facilitate the diagnosis and perform appropriate antibiotic treatments prior to their release into the wild. In addition, feces samples and rectal/cloacal swabs were screened for pathogenic bacteria that were potentially transmissible to other animals housed in the centers.