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Background Escherichia coli is a major foodborne illness pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, 145 questionnaires were administered to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coli prevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Results E. coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E.coli O157. E. coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI: 34.0– 61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI: 30.1–39.4%) and in cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI: 14.6–43.9%) than in yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI: 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E.coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All of the 42 E.coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. Conclusions The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count, and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.

BackgroundBovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes substantial economic losses and strongly impacts public health. Though it has been eradicated in many developed countries, it is still endemic in developing countries like Ethiopia.Methodology/principal findingsLare and Jikawo were the two districts of the Gambella Region selected purposively. Kebeles, study animals and peasant associations were randomly chosen. A total of 384 serum samples from 70 herds were collected and screened using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed using Complement Fixation Test (CFT). A semi-structured questionnaire survey was used. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was summarized using descriptive statistics, and the association between risk factors, and seroprevalence of brucellosis was evaluated using logistic regression. The principal findings of the current study showed that individual and herd level seroprevalence of brucellosis using RBPT was 6.77% (26/384) and 24.29% (17/70), respectively, and the respective confirmation by CFT 3.13% (12/384) and 12.85% (9/70). Among the risk factors, herd size and the presence of other species had statistically significant associations (pConclusionThe overall seroprevalence of brucellosis and cattle owners’ knowledge, attitude, and practice in the current study were low. However, being a contagious disease, brucellosis can easily spread among cattle herds, and poses a public health risk., Therefore, improvement of cattle owners’ knowledge, attitude, and practice and characterization of circulating Brucella species in the study areas are needed to design evidence-based disease control measures.Author SummaryBovine brucellosis, is a bacterial disease caused byBrucella abortus, which primarily affect cattle. Although bovine brucellosis has been eradicated in many developed countries, it is endemic in Ethiopia. It is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases widely distributed and resulted in serious economic losses and public health impacts. Particularly in pastoral parts of Ethiopia, like the current study areas, factor such as limited veterinary services and education services, frequent movement of farmers from one place to another in search of feed and water for their animals facilitates disease transmission between animals and to human. Thus, it is necessary to assess the prevalence of the disease and awareness of the farmers about the disease in order to reinforce the existing disease control attempts in the country and reduce public risk. Serum from blood samples of cattle were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test and Complement Fixation Test to detect the presence ofBrucellaantibody, which indicates the presence of bovine brucellosis in the areas. Moreover, farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding the disease information was assessed. The current study showed the presence of brucellosis and farmers had low knowledge, attitude and practice risky activities that predispose them to the disease.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the foodborne gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause staphylococcal food poisoning worldwide and can contaminate foods of animal origin. The current study was conducted in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in cow’s raw milk and milk products.Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus from milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence detected in bulk tank raw milk at 17.50% (14/80) and the lowest in ‘Ergo’ at 13.11% (8/61). Age of cows, previous history of treatment, stage of lactation, udder washing, use of towel for individual cow, tick infestation, hygiene of the milker and utensils, and use of disinfectant were found to be statistically significant (PS. aureus isolation at the individual cow level. Accordingly, a higher probability of getting infected with S. aureus was detected in cows aged 5 years old, crossbreeds, had a history of previous treatment, mid-lactation stage, no udder washing practiced, no individual towel used, tick infestation, and poor milking hygiene. Personnel hygiene, container hygiene, and use of disinfectants were the major risk factors that had a statistically significant association (pS. aureus. The maximum S. aureus counts at the farm and restaurant levels were 1.92x104 CFU/mL and 1.86x104 CFU/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed a higher resistance of S. aureus against amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), of which 43.94% of isolates showed multidrug resistance. The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is indicative of the existence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also detected in the current study.Conclusion: Higher prevalence of S. aureus and the multidrug-resistant isolates in milk and milk products is detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are suggested.

Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin,1 Gadisa Hirpa,2 Bizunesh Mideksa Borana,1 Edilu Jorga Sarba,1 Lencho Megersa Marami,3 Kebede Abdisa Kelbesa,1 Nega Desalegn Tadese,3 Hirut Abebe Ambecha3 1Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 2Department of Biology, Ambo Preparatory School, Ambo, Ethiopia; 3Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Endrias Zewdu GebremedhinAmbo University, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, EthiopiaTel +251 911894802Fax +251 112609503Email endrias.zewdu@gmail.comPurpose: Listeriosis is one of the globally distributed foodborne diseases with the highest fatality rate. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Listeria species, assess factors for contamination of beef, and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes in Ambo and Holeta towns, Central Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: A total of 450 meat samples were collected from abattoirs (n=150), butchers (n=150), and restaurants (n=150) for isolation and identification of Listeria species. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the occurrence of Listeria species in meat and potential risk factors. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby Bauer test.Results: The overall occurrence of Listeria species in Ambo and Holeta towns was 28.4% (128/450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.3– 32.9%). The isolation rate of Listeria monocytogenes was 4.4%, Listeria ivanovii 2.2%, Listeria seeligeri 1.8%, Listeria welshimeri 3.8%, Listeria innocua 6.2%, and Listeria grayi 10.2%. The probability of contamination of meat in butchers and restaurants was higher in Holeta than Ambo [OR=3.4; 95%; p=0.001], in dry than wet season [OR=5.2; p=0.009], and where the hygiene of cutting boards was poor (OR=7.7; p=0.008). Of the 20 Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 55% were resistant to oxacillin, amikacin, and nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, respectively. The Listeria monocytogenes isolates were 95%, 90%, and 85% susceptible to amoxicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin, respectively. About 95% of Listeria monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. One isolate (5%) had developed resistance to 10 classes of antimicrobial drugs.Conclusion: Listeria species are widespread and study towns, season, and hygiene of cutting boards are independent predictors of isolation of Listeria species. Multidrug resistance among Listeria monocytogenes was very high. Therefore, adequate cooking of meat, regular training of beef handlers, prudent use of drugs, and further molecular studies on Listeria species are important.Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility, beef, Listeria species, Listeria monocytogenes, multidrug resistance, risk factors, Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a zoonotic infectious disease of cattle, other domesticated animals, and certain wildlife populations. It has been widely distributed throughout the world, and it has been a cause for great economic loss in animal production. In developed countries, the eradication programs have reduced or eliminated TB in cattle. Many factors contribute to the persistence of the disease, such as the limitations of diagnostic tests, larger herd sizes, increase in animal movements and trade, and limited options for control, such as restrictions on whole herd depopulation. The available advanced TB diagnostic techniques can detect and differentiate the causative mycobacterial species, and help an early confirmation of the diagnosis, which is useful to design appropriate control measures in the national BTB control programs. Molecular diagnostics, such as polymerase chain reaction, spoligotyping, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), variable number tandem repeats typing (VNTR), and polymorphism GC-rich repeat sequence (PGRS) are the techniques used for concurrent detection and typing of Mycobacterium species at the strain level. The molecular epidemiology is also being used to identify the source of contamination, to determine the risk factors of BTB transmissions, to investigate the drug resistance pattern, and to track the geographic distribution and spread of clones of Mycobacteria species. The molecular diagnosis is the tool to check whether active transmission or reactivation of BTB, hence, it is better to adopt these methods for the epidemiological survey of BTB. Since BTB is a major public health problem, at least a single reference laboratory should be available for molecular based diagnosis as part of its control.

BackgroundBovine cysticercosis (BCC) is an infection of cattle with the metacestode stage ofTaenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, which causes taeniosis in humans. BCC is responsible for considerable economic losses in the meat sector worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the prevalence, risk factors and treatment efforts made so far onT. saginatainfections in Ethiopia, providing a detailed analysis of different factors influencing the varying prevalence estimates in Ethiopia to gain more insight into the occurrence and risk factors ofT. saginatataeniosis and cysticercosis to date.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on data collected from published and grey literature accessed through an electronic database and manual search.ResultsThe literature search resulted in 776 outputs of which 132 conformed to the predefined criteria. The average zonal prevalence of meat inspection-based BCC ranged from 2% in Buno-Bedele to 24.6% in Sidama zone. The pooled prevalence of BCC was influenced by the number of muscle/organs inspected, ranging from 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7–5.1%) using fewer predilection sites to 19.4% (95% CI: 13.3–25.4%) using inspection of a maximum number of predilection sites. None of the tested variables were significantly associated with BCC. Questionnaire-based taeniosis ranged between 19.0% in Halaba special woreda to 70.0% in Gedeo zone and stool test-based taeniosis varied from 0.6% in central Tigray to 10.7% in Gurage zone. Questionnaire-based prevalence of taeniosis was higher in people with a frequent raw beef consumption habit (pooled OR, pOR: 10.5, 95% CI: 6.0–17.9), adults (pOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–3.6), men (pOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.1–3.6), and Christians (pOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.8) compared to less frequent raw beef consumers, younger people, women and Muslims, respectively.ConclusionsThis review revealed a widespread but variable occurrence of BCC and taeniosis in Ethiopian regions and zones, urging for harmonized and enhanced detection for improved control of the parasite. Accurate prevalence estimates using more sensitive tests, detailed risk factor analysis, as well as data on financial losses are needed to develop effective control strategies for the Ethiopian epidemiologic condition.

Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia where livestock is crucial for the domestic economy. A study was conducted in two Ethiopian abattoirs to estimate the prevalence of

Taenia saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis are prevalent in Ethiopia, however, data on the knowledge/attitude, and practice (KAP) of the community and meat industry workers in this regard is scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP of the community and meat industry workers about T. saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis in Jimma and Ambo towns of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional KAP survey was performed on 293 community members selected using multistage random sampling and 97 meat industry workers from the two study towns. A questionnaire was constructed to collect sociodemographic variables, knowledge/attitudes about taeniosis/cysticercosis, raw meat consumption, latrine usage, and taeniosis treatment practices. Mixed effect (generalized) linear models were used to assess the association of self-reported taeniosis as well as the KAP scores with the demographic variables. The predicted proportion of self-reported taeniosis was 54% and 75% for Jimma and 44% and 70% for Ambo community and meat industry workers, respectively. The odds of self-reported taeniosis was higher for men (OR

Background Escherichia coli is bacteria that exist as commensal in the intestine of animals and humans, but pathogenic strains cause disease in chickens. The development of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli is one of major concern worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2015 to April, 2016 in and around Ambo town on backyard chicken with the objectives of isolating E. coli from selected visceral organs, assessment of potential risk factor and determination of antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates. Results The overall isolation rate of E. coli was 11.5% (80/694) [95% CI: 9.64–14.61] and 32.5% (62/191) [95% CI: 25.39–39.09] at organ and chicken level, respectively. E. coli isolation rate was 15.2% (29/191), 13.6% (27/191), 6.3% (12/191) and 10.7% (13/121) from spleen, liver, kidney and ovary samples, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed higher probability of E. coli isolation from adult (adjusted Odds ratio [aOR] =2.5, P = 0.013) than younger chickens, from clinically sick chickens (aOR = 3.0, P = 0.003) than apparently healthy. E. coli isolates were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim followed by 89–63.4% susceptibility to gentamicin, streptomycin, ceftazidime, nalidxic acid, nitrofurantoin, kanamycin, amikacin and chloramphenicol. Whereas, 100% resistance was observed against cloxacilin, cefotaxime and amoxicillin, whereas 92.7 and 46.3% were resistant to cefuroxime, and tetracycline, respectively. Multidrug resistant (MDR) was observed in 78.1% (64/82) of the isolates which exhibited 5 different MDR patterns to 7 antimicrobial classes. Conclusions Higher isolation rate of E. coli was observed from visceral organs of chickens. Age and health status were predictors of E. coli isolation. Remarkable numbers of the isolates are resistant to different antimicrobials and multidrug resistant E coli isolates are widespread in the area. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-1830-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Foodborne infections are widespread and growing public health problems in the world. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 : H7 is one of the most significant foodborne pathogens. This study was conducted to assess the occurrence and antibiogram of E. coli O157 : H7 from raw beef as well as hygienic and sanitary practices of meat handling in abattoir and retailer shops. Systematic random sampling technique and census methods were used to collect samples from abattoir and retailer shops, respectively. All tryptone soya broth preenriched carcass samples were subcultured onto MacConkey agar. Then, the bacterium confirmed as Escherichia coli using biochemical tests was streaked onto Sorbitol-MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. Escherichia coli O157 : H7 was confirmed by latex agglutination kit. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates was done against 13 antimicrobials. Hygiene and sanitation data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s exact two-tailed tests were performed and differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Out of 197 meat samples, 23.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.6–29.9%) and 9.1% (95% CI: 5.5–14.1%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 : H7, respectively. There was a significant variation in the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 between retailer shops (19.1%) and abattoir (7.2%) (P = 0.03). The study revealed that the municipal abattoir and retailer shops in Ambo town did not adhere to the required sanitation and hygienic standards. All Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates were susceptible to norfloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, and ceftazidime. However, all isolates were resistant to amoxicillin. Multidrug resistance was widespread and was found in 66.3% of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates. The occurrence of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 was high. Therefore, fulfilling national and international meat safety requirements, training and monitoring of meat handlers, and rational use of antimicrobials are recommended

Dimshasha Tolera Dabele,1 Bizunesh Mideksa Borena Snr,2 Petros Admasu,2 Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin,2 Lencho Megersa Marami3 1Asella Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Asella, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia; 3Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, Ambo, Oromia Regional State, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bizunesh Mideksa BorenaAmbo University, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, EthiopiaTel +251- 911832048Fax +251- 112609503Email bmidekssa@yahoo.comPurpose: Mastitis is one of the major global problems severely affecting the dairy sector. Staphylococcus species are the primary bacteria consistently identified from mastitic milk. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of mastitis, isolate Staphylococcus species, determine risk factors, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus species from mastitic Zebu cows in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: A total of 404 lactating Zebu cows were tested for mastitis. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus from mastitis positive samples were done by bacteriological culture and biochemical tests. Further identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) species and antimicrobial susceptibility test of the Staphylococcus aureus and the CNS was done by the Phoenix machine. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the prevalence of mastitis while the Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between the prevalence of mastitis and the risk factors and the magnitude of association, respectively.Results: The present study showed an overall cow and quarter level mastitis prevalence of 30.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]:26.0– 35.2) and 8.3% (95% CI 7.0– 9.8), respectively. The quarter level isolation rate of Staphylococcus species was 38.6% (95% CI: 30.1– 47.6). Five Staphylococcus species namely S. intermedius, S. hyicus, S. aureus, S. lentus, and S. sciuri were identified. The latter two are CNS and were identified for the first time in Ethiopia. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed none of the isolates of S. aureus, 100% of S. sciuri, and 87.5% of S. lentus species were multidrug-resistant. The independent predictors of mastitis (p< 0.05) were the age of the cows, stage of lactation, type of housing, the interval of bedding cleaning, and previous history of mastitis.Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of mastitis, Staphylococcus species, and multidrug resistant S. lentus, and S. sciuri in Zebu cows.Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, mastitis, prevalence, risk factor, Staphylococcus, Zebu cows

Background. Salmonella has been recognized as a major cause of food-borne illness associated with the consumption of food of animal origin. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 in Ambo and Holeta towns to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from raw beef samples from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants in Ambo and Holeta towns, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods. A total of 354 beef samples were collected from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants. Salmonella isolation and identification were carried out using standard bacteriological methods recommended by the International Organization for Standardization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Besides, a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and potential risk factors for contamination of meat. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analyses. Results. Of the total 354 meat samples examined, 20 (5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5–8.6) were positive for Salmonella. Two serotypes belonging to S. typhimurium (11 isolates) and I:4,5,12: i:- (9 isolates) were identified. The Salmonella detection rate in abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants was 4.2% (5/118), 8.5% (10/118), and 4.2% (5/118), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 40%, 30%, and 20% of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to azithromycin, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. The odds of Salmonella isolation when meat handlers are illiterate were 7.8 times higher than those when they are educated to the level of secondary and above ( P = 0.032 ). Similarly, the likelihood of Salmonella isolation was 6.3 and 7.6 times higher among workers of butcher and restaurants, respectively, who had no training ( P = 0.003 ) and no knowledge ( P = 0.010 ) on food safety and hygiene. Conclusions. The study showed widespread multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates in the study areas. Therefore, raw meat consumption and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs should be discouraged. Provision of food safety education for meat handlers and further surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant isolates are suggested.

Background Listeriosis is one of the globally distributed foodborne diseases with the highest fatality rate. Few studies were done on the occurrence of Listeria species from meat at abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants in Ethiopia, and there has been no study conducted at Ambo and Holeta town. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Listeria species, assess factors for contamination of meat, and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes along the meat chain in Ambo and Holeta towns, Central Ethiopia. Methods 450 meat samples were collected from abattoirs (n = 150), butchers (n = 150) and restaurants (n = 150) for isolation and identification of Listeria species using primary culture and biochemical tests. A questionnaire survey and observational checklist were made to assess the potential risk factors for the occurrence of Listeria species such as factors related to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on hygiene and practice of food handlers. Pearson’s Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors contributing for contamination of meat with Listeria species. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique was applied to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Listeria monocytogenes isolates. Results The overall occurrence of Listeria species in both Ambo and Holeta towns was 28.44% (128/450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.32–32.86%). The occurrence of L. monocytogenes was 4.4% (20/450; 95% CI: 2.74–6.78%), L. ivanovii 2.2% (10/450; 95% CI: 1.07–4.04%), L. seeligeri 1.78% (8/450; 95% CI: 0.8–3.47%), L. welshimeri 3.77% (17/450; 95% CI: 2.22–5.98%), L. inoccua 6.22% (28/450; 95% CI: 4.17–8.87%) and L. grayi 10.22% (46/450; 95% CI: 7.58–13.39%). The probability of contamination of meat in butchers and restaurants by the Listeria species were comparatively higher in high altitude (Holeta) than medium altitudes (Ambo) [OR = 4.91; 95% CI: 2.65–9.07%; p Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 16 (80%) were resistant to oxacillin; 14 (70%) were resistant to amikacin and nalidixic acid; 12 (60%) were resistant to chloramphenicol and 11 (55%) were resistant to tetracycline. The L. monocytogenes isolates were 95%, 90% and 85% susceptible to amoxicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin, respectively. All (100%) Listeria monocytogenes isolates were resistant for two or more drugs. Nineteen (95%) L. monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. One isolate (5%) had developed resistance to 10 classes of antimicrobial drugs. Conclusions Listeria species are widespread in the study areas. The study towns, season and working hours per day are independent predictors of Listeria species isolation. Multidrug resistance among L. monocytogenes is common. Therefore, regular training for meat handlers, prudent use of drugs, and further serological and molecular studies on Listeria species are important.