Lindblad Expeditions. Researchs Work Aboard Vessels: Arctic and Eastern/South Pacific

This project aims to sample as many seabirds as possible in several Artic localities visited by Lindblad Expeditions for a posterior screening of bacterial and viral zoonotic agents. These would include in order of relevance: SVIC, NEGL, CAPE (normal or reversed), SCIC, LOTO, CICE. We will collect blood as well as cloacal and oropharyngeal swab samples across a number of seabird species. By comparing genetic similarities between zoonotic microbial strains from seabirds and those from different “humanized” sources and regions, we will assess their anthropogenic origin. We will also explore further indirect evidences by assessing the presence of certain antibiotic resistances in bacteria, which are not expected to be present in such a pristine region.