Opportunistic Gulls Infected by Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Show Contrasting Movement Behaviour

Abstract

The emergence, spread and potential zoonotic importance of pathogenic-resistant bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli) has fuelled the research on epidemiology and vector movement dynamics. However, little is known about the effects that apparently asymptomatic carriage may have on host behaviour. Here, we analysed and compared movement patterns and habitat use (focused on the different risk of exposure to Antibiotic Resistance) of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) carrying (n = 10) and not carrying (n = 29) Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. Using data from GPS devices coupled with accelerometers, we found evidence that individuals carrying resistant E. coli, although previously considered asymptomatic, had lower accumulated travelled distances and moved over smaller areas. Antibiotic resistance carriage may affect movement patterns to some extent, as in this case, potentially reducing pathogen dispersal over large areas.