BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE FEATHERS AND LICE OF CAPTIVE COMMON BUZZARDS (BUTEO-BUTEO)

We have investigated the external and internal bacterial flora associa ted with several species of lice parasites of captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and studied the bacterial flora on the host feathers. Th e bacterial flora inside the ectoparasites was significatively differe nt from that of their surface. Bacteria of genus Staphylococcus, espec ially S. aureus, predominated, being more abundant on lice surface. Ba cillus was another Gram-positive bacteria frequently isolated, althoug h it was more abundant as a component of the internal flora. A very lo w number of enterobacteria and strict anaerobes was obtained. Bacteria isolated from bird feathers reveal some contamination from humans.