Bacteria/pathogens – State

Bacteria/pathogens – State

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• Pressures
• Management response
• State
• Vulnerability

	Physical-chemical state Changes to the bacteria/pathogen load entering a wetland can affect bacteria/pathogen concentrations, e.g. the higher the concentration of bacteria/pathogens present in the wetland the greater the likelihood of biota coming into contact with it and a biological impact occurring.
	Biological impact Changes to the bacteria/pathogen concentrations of a wetland can result in: lesions/disease a loss of sensitive species mass mortality events.

Bacteria/pathogens entering a wetland may result in a loss of sensitive species. Mammalian derived bacteria (e.g. from humans, pigs and cattle) are thought to have little if any impact on non-mammalian wetland fauna such as fish and macroinvertebrates, however, mammalian bacteria are known to be assimilated by mussels but are usually broken down in fish guts. Humans can be exposed to bacteria/pathogens directly through recreational activities or through the consumption of contaminated fauna such as mussels. Pathogens can result in mass mortality events of susceptible species.

Last updated: 22 March 2013