The treatment of listerial encephalitis and mastitis has been attempted with antibiotics. Most antibiotics are not effective against L. monocytogenes, however, and veterinary advice should be sought. The prognosis is poor in most cases and destruction of the infected animals should be considered. Listerial abortions often lead to other reproductive problems and culling of the animal is usually advisable.Steroids or atropine are common treatments for listerial eye-infection.
Successful treatment of listerial eye infection with local antibiotics has been reported (Pohjanvirta and Hedlund, 1984; Joncour, 1998).As generalised infection has been identified in animals culled for chronic listerial infection, it is advisable that animals slaughtered with persistent L. monocytogenes infection are examined bacteriologically after slaughter for generalised infection in order to prevent contamination of the human food chain (Vishinsky et al., 1993).
| For most recent information on different sector body requirements on withdrawal periods for livestock products following medicinal use please see Withdrawal of Products following medication. |