Bovine abortions attributable to Listeria ivanovii: four cases (1988-1990)

During a 3-year period, 4 cases of bovine abortion attributable to Listeria ivanovii were diagnosed from 243 bovine fetuses submitted for diagnostic evaluation. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated only once from a bovine fetus during this same time period. Pathologic findings were similar to those seen in abortions attributable to L monocytogenes. Consistent management factors were not recognized and breed susceptibility was not apparent. Listeria ivanovii is most often associated with abortions from sheep and is rarely reported from cattle. On the basis of findings in this study, L ivanovii must be included as a potential cause of bovine abortions.