Listeria monocytogenes in Healthy Ruminants and Swine
Author Information
Author(s): Esteban Jon I, Oporto Beatriz, Aduriz Gorka, Juste Ramón A, Hurtado Ana
Primary Institution: Department of Animal Health, NEIKER – Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and strain diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in healthy ruminants and swine herds?
Conclusion
Cattle are a significant reservoir for L. monocytogenes in the Basque Country, complicating pathogen control on farms.
Supporting Evidence
- L. monocytogenes was isolated from 46.3% of dairy cattle herds.
- Cattle showed a higher prevalence of L. monocytogenes compared to sheep.
- No L. monocytogenes was detected in any of the swine herds analyzed.
Takeaway
This study found that many cows carry a germ called Listeria that can make people sick, but pigs in the study didn't have it.
Methodology
Faecal samples from 30 animals per herd were collected from 343 herds and screened for L. monocytogenes using an automated enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling methods and the limited geographical area of the study.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the limited number of swine herds analyzed.
Participant Demographics
The study included 343 herds: 120 sheep, 124 beef cattle, 82 dairy cattle, and 17 swine.
Statistical Information
P-Value
10-5
Confidence Interval
(22.7–31.5)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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