Immunisation against infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes in sheep

National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway.

Immunisation against listeriosis in sheep using a live, attenuated vaccine was introduced in Norway in 1984. Since then 65,000 to 80,000 animals have been vaccinated annually. Information obtained by a questionnaire showed that the incidence of listeriosis decreased from approximately 4.0 per cent before the introduction of the vaccine to 1.5 per cent after vaccination started. The incidence of abortions was 0.7 per cent in vaccinated flocks compared to 1.1 per cent in unvaccinated flocks. There were a few adverse reactions in the vaccinated sheep.