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. 1993 Apr;59(4):1228–1230. doi: 10.1128/aem.59.4.1228-1230.1993

Impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of recreational water.

Benoît Leévesque 1, P Brousseau 1, P Simard 1, E Dewailly 1, M Meisels 1, D Ramsay 1, J Joly 1
PMCID: PMC202265  PMID: 8489231

Abstract

We evaluated the impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of water. We measured fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Aeromonas spp. in the gull droppings and the number of fecal coliforms in the water prior to and after attracting these birds to the beach with food. Gulls can contribute to the bacteriological degradation of recreational water.

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Selected References

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