Listeriosis in Cattle

Listeriosis in cows is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen that thrives in a wide temperature range and is found in various environments including soil, silage, and the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals. This disease can manifest in several forms, including encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in adult ruminants, septicemia, and abortion among others. It's primarily seen in feedlot or housed ruminants during the colder months, often linked to the consumption of spoiled silage.

The clinical presentation can vary but encephalitis, characterized by symptoms such as depression, disorientation, facial paralysis, and circling, is the most recognizable form in ruminants. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical signs and can be confirmed through bacterial culture or immunofluorescence assays of CSF or affected tissues.

Effective treatment involves high doses of antimicrobials, with penicillin being a common choice. Early and aggressive treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for affected animals.

For detailed insights into the etiology, epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of listeriosis in animals, including cows, the Merck Veterinary Manual provides a comprehensive overview.

Additionally, specific clinical findings and treatment approaches for cattle presumptively diagnosed with listeriosis are discussed in the research by Schweizer et al. (2021)