Septicemic listeriosis in a reindeer calf

Septicemic listeriosis is described in a 2-day-old reindeer calf (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) from a local zoo. The gross and microscopic lesions were typical of disease caused by bacterial septicemia. Major lesions included necrosis of the liver, lung, adrenal gland, spleen, and lymph node. The diagnosis was suspected by special histopathological stains and confirmed by isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from multiple organs. This is the first report of listeriosis in a reindeer.