Molecular investigation of a listeriosis outbreak in goats caused by an unusual strain of Listeria monocytogenes

Ribotyping and polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymo rphism of virulence genes can be used to identify novel strains of Listeria monocytogenes. Although silage is often identified as the source of infection during outbr eaks of listeriosis, listeriosis can also develop in ruminants that are not fed silage.) Listeria monocytogenes may be transmitted venereally in ruminants. Alternat ively, L monocytogenes shed in feces of inapparent carriers or wildlife, or carried on clothing or boots acting as fomites, may also result in spread of this organism.