[Listeria mastitis in cattle]

Cases of human infection caused by Listeria and resulting from the consumption of dairy produce contaminated by Listeria are referred to in the literature. A case of mastitis in cattle, caused by Listeria monocytogenes type 1/2a, is reported. The result of treatment of the infected quarters with penicillin was not satisfactory so far. Several cases of short-lived excretion of Listeria bacteria in the milk and carriers not showing any symptoms are referred to in the literature, whereas cases of prolonged mastitis caused by Listeria, marked by abnormal milk, increased cell counts and reduced production are not reported.