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==Description==
==Description==
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by [[Listeria species - Overview|''Listeria'' species]]. It affects a wide range of animals and is also a zoonosis.
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by [[Listeria species - Overview|''Listeria'' species]]. It affects a wide range of animals and is an important zoonosis.. ''L.monocytogenes'' is found in silage and is the main source of contamination for animals. Soil and the mammalian gastrointestinal tract are natural reservoirs for L.monocytogenes and if ingested by grazing animals the bacteria will further contaminate the pasture. The bacteria is very resistant to drying and can survive at a variety temperatures and PH.
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Affects a range of animals including sheep, cattle, goats and birds. Most commonly affects adult ruminants that are being fed contaminated silage over the winter.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Can be
==History and Clinical Signs==
==History and Clinical Signs==
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
''L monocytogenes'' is susceptible to a range of antibiotics including penicillin, ceftiofur, erythromycin, and trimethoprim/sulfonamide. In order to achieve high enough levels in the brain high doses are required daily for 1-2 weeks.
In an outbreak, affected animals should be isolated, treated and feeding the silage that the affected animal recieved should be discontinued.
All bedding should be destroyed and buildings should be thoroughly cleaned. To avoid further outbreaks, ensure animals are fed good quality silage and minimise soil contamination when making silage.
For ocular listeriosis Sub-conjuntival antibiotics and corticosteroids can be given.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Recovery depends on rapid diagnosis of the disease. If treated animals can recover however if signs of encepalitis are present treatment is often unsuccessful.
==References==
==References==
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
==Treatment and control==
==Treatment and control==
*Ampicillin or amoxycillin in early stages of septicaemic listeriosis
*Ampicillin or amoxycillin in early stages of septicaemic listeriosis
*Sub-conjuntival antibiotics and corticosteroids for ocular listeriosis
*
*Avoid poor quality silage and discontinue silage-feeding in an outbreak
*Avoid poor quality silage and discontinue silage-feeding in an outbreak