German Shepherd dog

Hi Dominic,

The bacterium you are mentioning is Listeria monocytogenes. There are several species of Listeria, but the culprit in your country and in the US is the one mentioned above. Yes, it does infect animals, including dogs, and it can infect humans too.  It is one of the bacterium that can multiply at low temperatures, such as those found in refrigerators. In humans you see it in contaminated lunch meats like baloney and other sandwich meats, unpasteurized milk and vegetables. It can make one very, very sick and, as you know from recent experience in Canada, can kill. High temperatures such as those found in proper food processing will kill the organism. It is interesting to note that a variety of signs and symptoms are possible when infected with this organism, including still births. Like handling of all such products, proper attention to hygiene of surfaces and hands will minimize the risk of infection. Making sure meats are used quickly per directions will also help.