Abstract:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to global public health, driven in part by extensive antibiotic use in food-producing animals. The poultry industry, a major contributor to global animal protein supply, has depended on antibiotics for growth promotion and disease control, thereby contributing to the emergence and dissemination of AMR zoonotic bacteria. This review synthesizes current evidence on the potential of phytochemicals (PCs), plant-derived bioactive compounds, as sustainable non-antibiotic alternatives for controlling bacterial foodborne pathogens in poultry. Relevant literature including in vitro and in vivo studies assessing PCs against major poultry-associated zoonotic bacteria, including Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, and pathogenic Escherichia coli, is examined. Evidence indicates that PCs exert antimicrobial and anti-virulence effects through mechanisms like bacterial membrane disruption, inhibition of quorum sensing and virulence gene expression, modulation of gut microbiota, and enhancement of host immune responses. In vivo studies demonstrate reductions in pathogen colonization and improvements in gut health and performance metrics in poultry. Despite these promising findings, challenges remain in bioavailability, dose optimization, standardization, and regulatory approval. Overall, PCs represent a promising component of integrated antimicrobial stewardship strategies in poultry production, with significant implications for mitigating zoonotic AMR transmission.

Abstract: this study evaluated the effects of non-fermented red ginseng marc (RGM) in a commercial liquid feeding system on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and pork quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 480 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an average body weight of 32.64 ± 0.12kg were arranged for a 12-week feeding trial. Experimental pigs were allotted to one of four treatments in 3 replicates of 40 pigs per pen by body weight and sex in a randomized complete block (RCB) design. Dietary red ginseng marc (0, 2%, 3%, 6%) was added to each experimental diet via a liquid feeding system. final body weight decreased linearly with increasing dietary RGM (p= 0.05). Average daily gain during weeks 10-12 showed both linear and quadratic responses (p= 0.02), and overall average daily gain during weeks 0-12 decreased linearly (p= 0.03). Average daily feed intake decreased linearly during weeks 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and overall (p≤ 0.05). During weeks 7-9, fecal acetate and butyrate increased linearly (p= 0.05 and p= 0.03, respectively), whereas during weeks 10-12, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA were reduced at the highest inclusion level. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased linearly at measured points (p=0.04, p=0.05, p=0.04, respectively). Glucose increased linearly at weeks 9 and 12 (p=0.04; p=0.02), and total cholesterol decreased linearly at week 12 (p=0.04). Under the present commercial liquid feeding conditions, inclusion of non-fermented RGM at 2% or 3% did not impair growth performance, whereas 6% reduced feed intake and growth during the finishing period.

Abstract: Qilian sheep are an important local breed of Tibetan sheep with strong adaptation to cold and hypoxic environments. To identify candidate genes related to nutrient metabolism in Qilian sheep, this study compared liver transcriptomes between Qilian sheep and Oula sheep raised under the same grazing and feeding conditions. Six 10-month-old ewes were selected from each breed, and three liver samples with high RNA quality from each group were used for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expression analysis identified 1640 differentially expressed genes under the thresholds of |log2FoldChange| > 1 and false discovery rate < 0.05, including 718 upregulated and 922 downregulated genes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in lipid metabolism- and amino acid metabolism-related pathways, especially the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, fatty acid synthesis, and fatty acid beta-oxidation. qRT-PCR validation confirmed that RGN, LPGAT1, and BHMT2 were significantly upregulated, whereas SDS, GK, PC, MIOX, HMGCS2, PNPLA3, ACAA2, and HADHA were downregulated in Qilian sheep. These results indicate clear differences in liver nutrient metabolism-related gene expression between Qilian sheep and Oula sheep and provide a molecular basis for understanding the liver metabolic characteristics and adaptive metabolic mechanisms of Qilian sheep.

Abstract: Neospora caninum is a master of reproductive disruption, causing devastating abortion storms in cattle and inflicting annual billion-dollar losses on the global livestock industry. Yet, in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)—a phylogenetically close relative often raised in the same environments—the same parasite often takes on a different role: a silently persisting infection with significantly lower rates of clinical abortion. This review inverts the traditional narrative. Instead of focusing solely on the susceptible host (cattle), we argue that the key to unlocking next-generation control strategies lies in understanding the resistant host (buffalo). By dissecting this “Neospora paradox,” we explore the cut-ting-edge molecular and immunological crosstalk that dictates pregnancy outcomes. We journey from the parasite’s sophisticated arsenal of invasion proteins, revealed by CRISPR-Cas9 screens, to the maternal–fetal interface, where the battle between immune tolerance and parasite control is won or lost. We further examine the intriguing rela-tionship between N. caninum and its similar Toxoplasma gondii, revealing how differential host immune recognition determines infection outcomes. Ultimately, we propose that deciphering the buffalo’s successful equilibrium with N. caninum could illuminate novel pathways for vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies, transforming the management of neosporosis worldwide.

Abstract: Public discussion in Australia often presents pet cats as a major cause of wildlife decline, and cat management is frequently promoted as a key conservation action. However, this focus can draw attention away from other major, preventable causes of harm affecting threatened species. Using records from the NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation Data Dashboard, we present the first statewide analysis of threatened-species wildlife rescues in New South Wales from 2013–2024 (52,475 individuals; 158 threatened species). Overall outcomes were poor: 24.1% of threatened animals were released, 58.5% died, and 17.5% had other outcomes. Rescues were dominated by a small number of largely human-related causes: Entanglement (11.6%), Weather–Drought (11.4%), Abandoned/Orphaned (10.1%), Unsuitable Environment (7.3%), and Motor-Vehicle Collision (5.8%), although many were Unknown (21.9%). Together, these six causes made up 82.1% of threatened species rescues. Several major causes—unsuitable environment, entanglement, and vehicle collision—increased over time, suggesting growing risks linked to urban growth, roads, buildings, and other human structures. In contrast, all animal attacks combined accounted for 4.4% of threatened species rescues; dog-related rescues were more than three times greater than cat-related rescues, with cat-related rescues comprising 0.6% of all threatened species rescues. Overall, threatened species most often entered care due to adverse weather events, unsuitable environment, hazardous materials, and vehicle collisions—suggesting that prevention efforts targeting these causes are likely to avert more harm than a primary focus on pet cats.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal parasitism remains a major constraint in sheep production, and increasing anthelmintic resistance has stimulated interest in plant-based alternatives. This exploratory study evaluated the antiparasitic effect and preliminary biochemical safety of Chenopodium chilense Schrad. in sheep from southern Chile. Thirty adult female Criollo Araucana sheep were allocated to five groups (n = 6): two groups received commercial anthelmintics and three groups received oral C. chilense at 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g dry matter/kg body weight. Fecal egg counts were monitored over a three-week follow-up period using the McMaster technique. Serum AST, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were evaluated before and after treatment in the C. chilense groups. Lower doses of C. chilense were associated with modest numerical reductions in fecal egg counts, whereas the highest dose showed greater variability and lower apparent efficacy. However, no statistically significant overall treatment effect was detected. In an exploratory analysis, parasite type was associated with variation in post-treatment egg counts. Biochemical analyses did not show a consistent dose-dependent pattern compatible with overt hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that C. chilense may have preliminary potential as a complementary phytotherapeutic candidate, but larger studies with improved sampling design, standardized phytochemical characterization, and greater statistical power are needed.

Abstract: The objectives were to evaluate the effects of different dietary omega-6 to omega-3 (n-6:n-3) fatty acid ratios during timed AI on fertility and offspring sex ratio in lactating dairy cows. Holstein cows (n=60) averaging 109 ± 10 days in milk (DIM) were randomly assigned to be fed either a greater n-6:n-3 diet or a lower n-6:n-3 diet for 42 days. All cows were synchronized using a modified Ovsynch protocol. Although synchronized ovulation rates and pregnancy outcomes were not significantly affected by treatment, cows fed the lower n-6:n-3 ratio exhibited significantly greater corpus luteum (CL) volume and cross-sectional area on days 11 and 14 post-TAI, indicating enhanced luteal development. Pregnancy rates following the first AI and cumulative AI, as well as the number of services per conception, did not differ between treatments. However, maternal dietary fatty acid composition influenced offspring characteristics. Cows fed the lower n-6:n-3 ratio tended to produce a greater proportion of female offspring (66.67% vs. 42.90%; p = 0.09). In addition, calves born to cows receiving the lower n-6:n-3 ratio had greater birth weight than those from cows fed the greater n-6:n-3 ratio diet. Additionally, the lower n-6:n-3 diet tended to increase milk yield and significantly increased lactose and solids-not-fat yields. In conclusion, a lower dietary n-6:n-3 ratio during a TAI program improves fertility potential by enhancing luteal development and may favor female offspring production while supporting lactation performance.

Abstract: Horse body size serves as a direct production indicator that reflects growth status, with body size traits frequently utilized as principal selection criteria and extensively applied in monitoring animal growth and development as well as evaluating the effi-cacy of genetic selection. The identification of molecular markers associated with body size traits has the potential to expedite animal breeding programs. The Yanqi horse, an important indigenous breed in Xinjiang, is primarily distributed in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. However, molecular markers linked to body size in Yanqi horses remain uncharacterized. In the present study, a genome-wide association study was performed on withers height, body length, heart girth, and cannon bone circumference traits in 183 Yanqi horses to identify genomic variants associated with body size characteristics. A total of 185 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were signifi-cantly associated with body size traits, and 359 candidate genes were annotated within 200 kb upstream and downstream of the significant loci. Among these, five genes, GABRB1, FIGN, GABRA4, ENSECAG00000051747, and COX7B2, may be implicated in the growth and development of Yanqi horses. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses indicated that these genes are primarily in-volved in cytoskeletal structures within muscle cells, regulation of the actin cytoskele-ton, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways. In summary, this study presents novel markers and candidate gene sets associated with body size traits in Yanqi horses, offering valuable insights for functional gene investigations and pre-senting substantial potential for accelerating the breeding of Yanqi horses.

Abstract: Agroecology systems integrate social and ecological principles into agricultural practices. Current assessments do not adequately consider animal welfare. This study introduces a new agroecology assessment tool by adding livestock sustainability and animal welfare criteria based on the Five Domains. Through a cross-sectional survey of 14 case studies, we examine how livestock sustainability and animal welfare are integrated into agroecological systems. Surveyors gathered data from farms in Kenya (10), Thailand (1), Italy (1), Vietnam (1), and Mexico (1). Results indicate that certain management practices within agroecological systems, specifically import of feed edible for human consumption, impact sustainability and painful beak trimming and stressful transport, negatively impact animal welfare. These findings highlight the need to strengthen agroecological assessment methods by including sustainability and animal welfare indicators. Doing so can help drive food-system change that improves health, reduces disease risk, and enhances animals’ ecological and social contributions. The paper concludes that better policy and knowledge are essential to improving the wellbeing of both animals and farmers in agroecological systems. The integrated tool could help researchers and farmer organizations improve animal welfare on agroecological farms across different contexts. Better animal welfare could also support the wider adoption and scaling of livestock integration in agroecology.

Abstract: The use of copaiba oil (COP) in ruminant nutrition is relatively recent, and results reported in the literature are still controversial. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of copaiba oil in the diet of steers on ruminal fermentation. Five rumen-cannulated steers were assigned to a 5 x 5 Latin square design and subjected to the following treatments: Control – (0 g of COP), 1.25 g COP, 2.50 COP, and 3.75 g COP kg^-1 dry matter (DM), and monensin (positive control - concentrate containing 40 mg kg^-1 DM). Animals were fed a diet with a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 50:50. Inclusion of copaiba oil from 1.25 to 3.75 g kg^-1 did not alter ruminal pH, and the concentrations of NH₃-N and propionate (mmol L^-1) were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). Copaiba oil did not affect intake, digestibility, or propionate concentration (P > 0.05). Monensin increases (P ≤ 0.05) the concentrations of NH3-N and propionate (mmol L^-1). Different concentrations of copaiba oil (Copaifera spp.) in the diet of steers did not affect ruminal fermentation. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate the inclusion of COP in diets with a higher forage proportion, better representing grazing conditions with predominant forage intake.

Abstract: A zoonotic disease caused primarily by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), bovine tuberculosis (bTB), remains a considerable global concern. The intradermal tuberculin test (ITT) is a primary global screening tool for infected animals through their cellular immune response. However, ITT fails to identify all bTB-infected animals. Serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), which detect humoral immune responses are a potential complementary approach for bTB diagnosis. Herein, 86 serum samples collected from a bTB-free herd were analyzed using three bTB serological ELISA kits: the IDEXX M. bovis antibody test (IDEXX), the BIONOTE BTB antibody ELISA 2.0 kit (BTB), and an in-house ELISA using MPB70 and MPB83 as antigens (termed homemade). Antibody responses were monitored before and after ITT administration for 21 weeks. All serum samples collected before ITT administration tested negative with all three ELISA kits. However, 1 week after ITT administration, samples tested positive using the IDEXX, BTB, and homemade ELISA kits. Week 9, all samples tested negative with the BTB and homemade ELISA kits, whereas for IDEXX they remained negative until week 21. ITT-induced a serological response against M. bovis, engendering false-positive results. Therefore, collecting serum samples for bTB antibody testing should be avoided for at least 21 weeks following ITT.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria are important components of the early gut microbiota in piglets and may contribute to gastrointestinal stability and control of enteric pathogens, particularly under increasing restrictions on antibiotic use in livestock production. This study aimed to perform in vitro phenotypic screening and characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from feces of suckling piglets aged 7–28 days. A total of 42 fecal samples were collected and cultured on selective media, yielding 318 colonies, of which 135 Gram-positive, rod-shaped, catalase-negative isolates were retained for further evaluation. These isolates were assessed for tolerance to acidic conditions (pH 2.0–3.1), bile salts (0.3–0.5%), cell surface hydrophobicity, hemolytic activity, and antibacterial activ-ity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, only two isolates (PMvet212 and PMvet318) showed detectable tolerance to acidic and bile conditions and exhibited moderate antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of approximately 10-12 mm. Identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry indicated that PMvet212 was closely related to Lactobacillus brevis, whereas PMvet318 was identified at the genus level as Lactobacillus sp. Both isolates displayed α-hemolytic activity, indicating the need for further safety evaluation. Overall, the findings provide preliminary evidence of selected functional properties of piglet-derived lactic acid bacteria; however, additional molecular characterization and in vivo studies are required before any practical application can be considered.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) continue to impose substantial health and productivity losses in grazing ruminants, and the accelerating emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) underscores the need for SWC strategies. Although multiple SWC approaches have been validated experimentally, their implementation across European livestock systems remains inconsistent, and limited evidence exists regarding the stakeholder’s perceptions that affect decision-making. This study conducted a multilingual cross-sectional survey of 1,261 respondents, including farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and other professionals, across 13 European countries to evaluate perceived worm-control cost burdens and the economic feasibility of seven SWC strategies. Descriptive and regression analyses revealed that a majority of respondents (56.7%) considered diagnostic testing to be financially reasonable, although perceptions varied significantly between countries. Sustainable anthelmintic use, quarantine and strategic screening, and grazing management were perceived as the most viable strategies, whereas biological control and bioactive compound-based approaches elicited greater uncertainty. An aggregated SWC A itude Score demonstrated systematically higher acceptance among veterinarians compared to farmers, while male and older respondents exhibited lower levels of agreement across practices. Overall, the findings indicate that economic constraints may not constitute the primary barrier to SWC adoption.

Abstract: Consistent behavioural differences among individuals have been documented across many animal taxa, yet their developmental consequences remain less clear in domestic production systems. This gap is especially relevant in managed environments, where food availability and ecological constraints differ markedly from those in the wild. In this study, we assessed behavioural traits in 25 Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) ewes and examined their associations with early growth in their lambs under semi-captive conditions on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. We quantified docility, exploration, vocal responses, and several physiological measures of responsiveness in ewes, and related these variables to lamb birth weight, early weight gain, and a composite growth index. We found that maternal docility had no significant effect on lamb birth weight, whereas maternal activity was negatively associated with offspring birth weight. One possible interpretation is that more behaviourally responsive ewes allocate energy differently during gestation, which could limit fetal growth, although this mechanism was not directly tested here. These results suggest that behavioural effects on offspring development depend strongly on production context. In this semi-captive system, greater maternal responsiveness was not associated with improved offspring performance, unlike patterns often discussed for wild populations. This context dependence may be relevant when behavioural traits are considered in Tibetan sheep management or breeding.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with sulla (Sulla coronaria (L.) B.H. Choi & H. Ohashi) hay or sulla haylage in pasture-based diets for lactating Sarda ewes on milk production, composition, and nutrient utilization efficiency. Seventy-two mid-lactation ewes were assigned to three dietary treatments: alfalfa hay (AH), sulla hay (SH), or sulla haylage (SHL), all combined with 3 h/day grazing and concentrate supplementation. Diets were formulated to be theoretically isoenergetic and isoproteic. Pasture quality was comparable among groups throughout the experimental period. Milk yield did not differ among treatments; however, fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) and milk components were higher in AH compared with sulla-based diets. Nitrogen intake (NI) was greatest in AH, as reflected by higher milk urea concentration. Energy utilization efficiency (FPCM/UFL intake) differed among treatments, with lower values in SH compared with AH and SHL. Protein utilization efficiency (Milk N/NI) was highest in SHL, intermediate in SH, and lowest in AH (p < 0.001). Condensed tannins were not detected in conserved sulla forages, suggesting that conservation processes may reduce the characteristic tannin-related nutritional effects of fresh sulla. Results indicate that forage conservation method influences nutrient utilization efficiency, with sulla haylage improving nitrogen efficiency without impairing milk yield.

Abstract: This review examines spider nutritional physiology, which remains incompletely characterized despite spiders’ importance in ecosystems and experimental settings. In captivity (including research facilities, zoological institutions, and private collections), feeding practices are often generalized and may not address metabolic demands that vary across taxa. Consequently, links between nutrition and outcomes such as growth, reproduction, and condition in captive spiders remain insufficiently delineated. Recent work in arachnid physiology and lipid metabolism indicates that some husbandry practices warrant reevaluation. Arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid and precursor to eicosanoid signaling molecules, contributes to lipid-mediated pathways across animal taxa. In arthropods, eicosanoid pathways have documented roles in processes such as development and reproduction; corresponding mechanisms in spiders are less defined, leaving an important gap in arachnid nutrition research. This review synthesizes evidence on the metabolic roles, dietary sources, and physiological relevance of ARA in spider nutrition. Available findings link lipids such as ARA with reproduction, cuticular maintenance, and metabolic function; low availability has been associated with stress responses, impaired development, and reduced fecundity in some captive contexts (Ginjupalli et al., 2015; Kangpanich et al., 2016; Stanley & Kim, 2018). Integrating lipid analyses into captive management can support animal welfare, improve comparability across studies, and inform feeding practices for arachnids.

Abstract: Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit various pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife, thereby contributing significantly to the global burden of vector-borne diseases. The tick microbiome, consisting of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other microorganisms, plays a crucial role in pathogen transmission dynamics and the emergence of new zoonotic diseases. This review examines the characteristics of tick vectors, the composition and dynamics of tick-associated microbiomes, and their implications for zoonotic disease transmission. We analyze current knowledge of tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, and Coxiella species, and highlight the potential for microbiome constituents to serve as reservoirs for emerging pathogens. The complex interactions between tick hosts, their microbiomes, and vertebrate hosts create opportunities for pathogen evolution and interspecies transmission. Recent advances in molecular techniques have revealed previously unknown microbial diversity within tick populations, suggesting that many potential zoonotic pathogens remain undiscovered. We discuss future research directions, including field screening methodologies for pathogen detection, microbiome-based risk assessment approaches, and the development of novel prevention strategies, including tick vaccines.

Abstract: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) poses a significant threat to the United States dairy industry, potentially causing substantial economic losses through trade disruptions and control measure costs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of regional zoning, enhanced detection, and biosecurity in controlling FMD spread, focusing on the New England milkshed, using the InterSpread Plus (ISP+) model. We adapted a baseline ISP+ configuration incorporating United States dairy farm data, movement networks, cattle dealers, markets, and slaughterhouses, with milk processing plants as a model addition. By implementing regional movement management, increasing passive surveillance, and reducing indirect disease transmission, four hypotheses were tested across three geographically distinct infection seed sets (mixed proximity to New England, close to New England, and distant southwestern): (H1) Regional zoning limits the interregional spread of FMD post-detection; (H2) Earlier detection in New England via increased passive surveillance reduces the overall outbreak impact; (H3) Reduced indirect transmission through enhanced biosecurity states improves FMD outbreak control; (H4) The combination of regional zoning and earlier detection provides synergistic reduction in FMD impact beyond either strategy alone. Through 100 iterations of each scenario simulated over 210 days, scenarios were compared to the baseline. Key metrics included the daily number of infected premises, the outbreak duration, and the total number of infected premises across the outbreak scenarios. Results suggest a shorter outbreak duration following the hypothesized scenarios, compared to the baseline scenario. Results also indicate that regional zoning, early detection, enhanced biosecurity, and the combination of heightened passive surveillance with regional zoning, all reduced the total infected premises. Kruskal-Wallis H tests confirmed significant differences across the baseline, regional zoning, early detection, enhanced biosecurity, and the combination of heightened passive surveillance with regional zoning scenarios, for total infected premises. Post-hoc Dunn's tests indicated that enhanced biosecurity outperformed other control strategies tested. Limitations include model assumptions on the location of disease introduction and its spatial spread patterns, as well as the proportion of dairy premises with heightened local spread. These findings demonstrate that layered interventions may substantially curtail both the national amplification and local spread of FMD, and thus, protect the consumer milk supply and reduce cascading economic shocks from an outbreak.

Abstract: Vocal signals are the primary medium of intraspecific communication in bats, yet the encoding features and recognition mechanisms of distress calls remain largely unclear. This study aimed to examine sex, age, and individual signatures in noise burst to downward frequency modulation (NB-DFM) distress calls of the Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and verify conspecific recognition ability. We recorded NB-DFM calls from 20 adult and 9 subadult bats in Jilin Province, extracted 18 acoustic parameters, built classification models with support vector machines (SVMs), evaluated feature importance using random forest, and performed habituation-dishabituation playback experiments. SVM yielded classification accuracies of 67%, 89%, and 88% for sex, age, and individual identity, respectively, all significantly above chance levels. Call duration, central minimum frequency, and root mean square (RMS) were the most diagnostic parameters, and key acoustic variables differed significantly among classification levels. Playback tests elicited distinct behavioral responses to calls of different sexes, ages, and individuals, confirming discrimination ability. These findings reveal individual, age, and sex specific acoustic markers in bat distress calls, support the utility of machine learning for bioacoustic classification, and provide empirical insight into stress related acoustic communication in nocturnal mammals.

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silently escalating global crisis, presenting a specific challenge for the One Health approach. Landscapes can serve as reservoirs of AMR bacteria and genes, while synurban wildlife may act as vectors of bidirectional exchange. However, these species can also be utilised as sentinels of landscape AMR load. Herbivorous avian bioindicators, such as the Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), continuously sample the landscape during foraging and drinking, providing homogenous spatial overview on the state of AMR. This study aimed to investigate the potential of this species for assessing the impact of landscape diversity on bacterial communities and their AMR patterns. Toward this objective, two spatial units of 4-km-diameter located at an upstream and a downstream section of a river, relative to a provincial town, were compared using 16 cloacal samples per site. Heterotrophic plate count techniques resulted in 60 isolates, of which 48 were identified, and 35 were tested for AMR using the VITEK 2 Compact system. Rényi diversity profiles of landscape compositions and bacterial communities suggested that higher landscape diversity was associated with lower bacterial diversity and AMR phenotypes’ frequency. Additionally, the structure of more diverse bacterial communities shifted toward Gram-negative taxa. These findings support the hypothesis that culture-based methods using Common Wood Pigeon samples, complemented by Rényi diversity analysis and the determination of Gram-positive/Gram-negative ratios, provide valuable data on landscape health, even with small sample sizes.