Advances in Wild Birds Mediating Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes.

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a major public health concern. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) may be horizontally transferred between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes, potentially linking their interdependent ecosystems to public health. Birds, being among the most diverse species on the planet, can facilitate the global spread of resistance genes through their long-distance dispersal, consequently posing significant health risks. This paper reviews how wild birds can actively mediate the transmission of ARGs in ecosystems and proposes their significant roles as transmission agents. It then describes the distinct roles of urban resident birds and migratory birds in the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes. Particularly, the review highlights the pivotal role of migratory birds in the long-distance transmission of ARGs. Therefore, researching the transmission of ARGs mediated by wild birds emerges as a critical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]