AUTHOR=Rothrock Michael J. , Davis Morgan L. , Locatelli Aude , Bodie Aaron , McIntosh Tori G. , Donaldson Janet R. , Ricke Steven C. 

TITLE=Listeria Occurrence in Poultry Flocks: Detection and Potential Implications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=4

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2017.00125

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2017.00125

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<p>Foodborne pathogens such as <italic>Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli</italic>, and <italic>Listeria</italic> are a major concern within the food industry due to their pathogenic potential to cause infection. Of these, <italic>Listeria monocytogenes</italic>, possesses a high mortality rate (approximately 20%) and is considered one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens. Although the usual reservoirs for <italic>Listeria</italic> transmission have been extensively studied, little is known about the relationship between <italic>Listeria</italic> and live poultry production. Sporadic and isolated cases of listeriosis have been attributed to poultry production and <italic>Listeria</italic> spp. have been isolated from all stages of poultry production and processing. Farm studies suggest that live birds may be an important vector and contributor to contamination of the processing environment and transmission of <italic>Listeria</italic> to consumers. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the occurrence, incidence, and potential systemic interactions of <italic>Listeria</italic> spp. with poultry.</p>