<i>Pseudomonas monteilii</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> in a free‐living <i>Megascops choliba</i> : Epidemiological implications

Abstract Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. are significant pathogens due to their ability to form biofilms and express resistance genes. The role of wildlife in the transmission of bacterial resistance genes remains inadequately understood, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of transference dynamics and their potential as bioindicators. This case report details a free‐living screech owl ( Megascops choliba ) presenting with prostration, inability to fly and a lacerative lesion with bone exposure on the left wing. Bacteriological analysis was carried out by collecting a swab sample in Stuart agar after antisepsis of the wing lesion. Isolates were grown aerobically overnight at 37°C, and the results were submitted to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the standard disc diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed resistance of both isolates, emphasising the threat of antimicrobial resistance and the need for monitoring and addressing antimicrobial resistance in wildlife.