Listeria monocytogenes infection in an aviary

A septicaemic form of listeriosis in canaries living together with other birds in a mixed aviary is reported. From the organs of four canaries L.m. serotype 1/2a was cultured, whereas L.m. serotype 4b was detected in fecal contaminated drinking water and cereal food. After cleaning and desinfection of the aviary and antibiotic treatment with ampicillin over 7 days, L. m. serotype 1/2a and 4b was still detected in the feces. After another treatment with chlortetracyclin for ten days L.m. could not be found in the feces anymore.