The emerging infection dynamics of Salmonella enterica with special context to Houbara bustard require studies on pattern of prevalence, risk factors, molecular dynamics, drug resistance, and alternative to antibiotics. The study found that 37% (74/200) of cloacal samples from Houbara bustard tested positive for S. enterica with a significant association between assumed risk factors and prevalence (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed 6-12 months of birds’ age, natural living environment, birds on mixed type of feeding system, occasional use of antibiotics, and use of non-beta lactam antibiotics as potential risk factors for prevalence of S. enterica. The antibiogram showed 70% resistance against florfenicol, 60% against ciprofloxacin and 40% against both amoxicillin and penicillin. Nanocomposite coupled antibiotics showed a concentration-dependent increase in the zone of inhibition (ZOI).  Nanocomposite coupled ciprofloxacin at 10 & 0.5mg/mL and nanocomposite coupled oxytetracycline at 0.25mg/mL produced highest ZOI. Blood profiles of S. enterica-positive birds showed values beyond normal ranges. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic similarity between the study isolates and previously reported strains. Nucleotide motif analysis revealed a major deletion in nucleotide sequence while, protein motif analysis suggested that the protein remained stable and well-structured. The study thus concluded that there is a rising percentage of drug-resistant S. enterica, a significant association of assumed risk factors, notable impacts on blood profiles, divergence in molecular make up but still holding sensitivity to alternative treatments. The findings of study thus require implementation of stern measures to tackle spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through birds and other hosts.

To Cite This Article: Muneer A, Shah SQA, Aqib AI, Ali MM and Ghaffar A 2025. Infection dynamics of Salmonella enterica in Houbara bustard and resistance modulation through nanocomposites coupled antibiotics. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.227