Recovery and Serotype Distribution of Listeria monocytogenes from Broiler Chickens in the Southeastern United States.

A total of ninety broiler carcasses from three processing plants were obtained from retail stores in the southeastern United States. The optimum plating medium was determined and carcasses were rinse sampled and the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species determined. Presumptive L. monocytogenes isolates were serotyped. Listeria were recovered from 34 of 90 (38%) of the carcasses sampled, while L. monocytogenes were recovered from 21 of 90 (23%) of the carcasses sampled. Of the 35 L. monocytogenes isolates serotyped, 21 (64%) were confirmed to be serotype 1/2 b and 6 (18%) were confirmed to be serotype 1/2 c. Although there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest a relationship between consumption of chicken and listeriosis, the presence of L. monocytogenes on 23% of sampled broilers emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygienic practices in production, processing and preparation of fresh broilers.