Description

Listeriosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is found in silage Read the content of the note 1 , vegetation and soil.

This is a zoonotic disease, which means that animals can transmit it to humans.

For more details on the risk of infection in humans, visit the Listeriosis page in the Health section.

At-risk animals

The disease affects cattle, goats and sheep. It also affects poultry, rabbits and rodents.

Signs of the disease

Cattle, sheep and goats display the following symptoms:

  • Weakness
  • Fever
  • Lack of coordination, salivation and dizziness
  • Abortion and inflammation of the udder

In poultry, listeriosis causes heart and liver problems as well as nervous signs.

Widespread blood poisoning and death is possible in young animals.

Last update: July 15, 2025

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