Beware of goose dropping at the recreational parks: The carriage of beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in migratory geese in West Texas, United States

Migratory geese are important birds that frequent recreational parks and can serve as reservoirs of important zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the genomic characteristics of beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from the feces of migratory geese at one health interface in West Texas. The result of the study showed that migratory geese at recreational parks are reservoirs of resistant bacteria with diverse serotypes and sequence types of E. coli isolates that can create a microbial storm. Based on our findings, detecting a multidrug-resistant E. coli strain reinforces the importance of adequate hygiene practices for humans and pet animals after returning from the recreational park.