麻豆淫院

K膩k膩p艒, the world's only flightless parrots, have managed to avoid developing dangerous antibiotic-resistant superbugs so far, despite conservationists often needing to use antibiotics to treat their debilitating "crusty bum" disease.

New research shows that k膩k膩p艒 guts do contain some potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but these could have come about naturally, meaning cautious use of the meds can continue. However, with a tiny population of around 240 birds, and the potential for superbugs to jump from other birds or even humans, the researchers say we need to keep an eagle-eye on the issue.

Efforts to preserve the extraordinary bird鈥攑opulation about 237鈥攊nclude frequent doses of antibiotics. What if k膩k膩p艒 develop the antibiotic resistance that threatens other animals, including humans?

A scientific study focused on just that topic suggests that so far k膩k膩p艒 are OK.

Led out of the University of Auckland by Ph.D. student Natalie Ayriss and senior researcher Professor Mike Taylor, the study suggests antibiotics are yet to have negative consequences on the birds and seem to remain effective.

The scientists sampled k膩k膩p艒 on two islands for signs of antibiotic resistance and also honed in on an individual male known as Joe who was being treated with antibiotics.

While the use of antibiotics doesn't appear to have had negative consequences, there's still the risk that microbes in k膩k膩p艒 could develop antibiotic resistance through antibiotic treatments or via transmission from other birds or even humans, the scientists wrote in their article in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.

Heavier than any other parrot, weighing as much as 4 kilograms, k膩k膩p艒 live on four offshore islands and at Maungatautari sanctuary. Despite being flightless, the k膩k膩p艒 uses its strong claws and bill to climb high into trees to feed. Another unique trait: it's the only "lek breeding" parrot, meaning males mount competitive displays to be chosen by females each breeding season.