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Published on: January 19, 2014
Epidemiologic evaluation of encephalitic listeriosis in goats
G C Johnson1, C W Maddox, W H Fales
1Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate host and environmental factors associated with the development of encephalitic listeriosis in goats.
Design:
Retrospective analysis of diagnostic laboratory records and survey of veterinarians and goat producers.
Sample Population:
355 goat herds accessible through laboratory records; 38 veterinarians who treated goats and 76 goat producers.
Procedure:
Data regarding breed and use for goats affected with encephalitic listeriosis were obtained from surveys and case follow-up information. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from the brains of 7 affected goats were serotyped and subjected to DNA restriction analysis.
Results:
Odds ratio for the development of encephalitis listeriosis in Angora (mohair-producing) goats was 22.9 by use of diagnostic laboratory records. Survey also revealed a high prevalence in herds of Angora and other breeds that subsisted on woody browse, although Angora goats feeding predominantly on hay or pasture were not affected. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from 4 Angora goats in 3 herds differed in DNA restriction patterns, although the pattern was identical in 3 other goats from another herd.
Clinical Implications:
Encephalitic listeriosis can be observed in all goat breeds, but a lifestyle of heavy browse consumption seems important to the development of disease in some herds.
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