Concerns of Unregulated Antibiotic Use in a Budgerigar: A Case Report on a Multidrug-Resistant Infection

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens global health, and inappropriate antibiotic use in companion animals accelerates the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. Pet birds, maintained in close human contact, represent potential vectors for AMR transmission. We report a fatal case of MDR bacterial and fungal infection in a one-year-old budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) following unsupervised administration of enrofloxacin and tetracycline by its owner. The bird presented with anorexia, watery diarrhea, lethargy, reduced vocalization, dehydration, and weakness. Microbiological examination (based on colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical characteristics) of cloacal swabs revealed bacterial isolates and yeast that demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, amikacin, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Despite evidence-based antimicrobial and antifungal therapy with supportive care, the bird showed progressive clinical deterioration and died. This case report demonstrates the severe consequences of unsupervised antimicrobial administration in exotic pets, including MDR pathogen selection, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, therapeutic failure, and death. Urgent regulatory intervention to restrict non-prescription antimicrobial access, coupled with enhanced client education on responsible medication practices, is essential to mitigate AMR proliferation at the human-animal interface.