One Health

Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and zoonotic pathogens in Korean wildlife

We are currently collaborating with researchers at the Seoul Zoo and the College of Veterinary Medicine of Seoul National University. The goal of our collaboration is to investigate gut microbiomes, diet profiles, and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and zoonotic pathogens in Korean wildlife, such as raccoon dogs, Eurasian otters, and leopard cats. For instance, we applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces of these animals to investigate their gut microbiomes. We also applied DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples of Eurasian otters to investigate their dietary contents.

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)

Field sampling

Sampling of spraint (otter's feces)

A pheasant pair at the otters' habitat

Sampling of raccoon dog feces

Fish remain by the raccoon dog