Cloacal Bacterial Identification of Nestling American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and its Relation to Public Health

by Brandyn Rathman
Biology
Faculty advisor: Dr. Richard Lampe

Bacterial identification of nestling American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) was conducted in populations located in Storm Lake, Iowa and nearby areas. Samples were collected using a cloacal swab from nestlings. Each sample was frozen and stored until tests could be run. The samples were unfrozen and cultured using an agarose gel. Bacterial cultures were then selected and investigated using an Enterotube biochemical assay. Results indicate 14 differing bacterial species present in sample populations. Public health concerns resulting from the bacterial contamination will be noted.