Listeria Contamination of Raw Bovine Milk and the Factors Influencing Its Occurrence in Greater Luweero District, Uganda
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
British Microbiology Research Journal
Abstract
To establish the occurrence of Listeria contamination of raw bovine milk and the contributory
factors in Greater Luweero.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2013; in Luweero, Nakaseke and
Nakasongola districts, in Central Uganda. All the 16 milk collecting centers in the study area were
sampled and the supplying farms identified for trace back. A total of 100 bulk raw milk samples,
each representing a farm, were analysed using the VIDAS® Listeria monocytogenes II (LMO2)
enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA) kit (BioMérieux, Durham NC, USA). The supplying
farms were systematically random sampled; and the managers together with those of the milk
collecting centers were interviewed to establish the management practices and environmental risk factors associated with Listeria contamination of the milk.
Results: High level of Listeria contamination of raw milk from farms (72%); knowledge gap and
significant non-adherence to milk trade guidelines (50% and 31.25%; and 88% and 39% among
milk collecting center and farm managers, respectively) were encountered. Among the factors
influencing occurrence of Listeria in raw milk, the significant ones (P=.05) included improper
hygienic practices; such as poor faecal disposal, improper cleaning of milking utensils and of hands
before milking; and non-adherence to Dairy Development Authority (DDA) guidelines; lack of
access to dairy extension services; and absence of farm entry restriction and biosecurity measures.
Conclusions: There is a high occurrence of Listeria contaminated raw bovine milk from farms in
Greater Luweero district. The risk factors that were significantly associated with the contamination
can be minimized through sensitization and training of farmers and center managers. Listeriosis is
of great public health significance, hence effective inspections to assess compliance to guidelines
for quality and safety is recommended. Establishing Listeria monocytogenes carrier status of cattle;
and microbial levels in milk will inform on policies for prevention of contamination.
Description
Keywords
Listeria monocytogenes, Milk contamination, Predisposing practices, VIDAS®immunoassay
Citation
Mukasa, D., Kankya, C., & Nakavuma, J. L. (2016). Listeria contamination of raw bovine milk and the factors influencing its occurrence in Greater Luweero District, Uganda. British Microbiology Research Journal, 13(1), 1. DOI: 10.9734/BMRJ/2016/23027