Epidemiologic evaluation of encephalitic listeriosis in goats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate host and environmental factors associated with the development of encephalitic listeriosis in goats.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of diagnostic laboratory records and survey of veterinarians and goat producers.


METHODS
355 goat herds accessible through laboratory records; 38 veterinarians who treated goats and 76 goat producers.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Johnson
G C
GC
Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
Maddox
C W
CW
Fales
W H
WH
Wolff
W A
WA
Randle
R F
RF
Ramos
J A
JA
Schwartz
H
H
Heise
K M
KM
Baetz
A L
AL
Wesley
I V
IV
Wagner
D E
DE
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000382:microbiology; D001947:Breeding; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006041:Goats; D008087:Listeria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D012703:Serotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004269:DNA, Bacterial