[The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in fecal samples of pigeons].

Listeria spp. were isolated from faeces samples from 12 (3.4%) of 350 pigeons examined. Three isolates were identified as L. monocytogenes (1x serovar 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4ab), eight isolates were L. innocua (2x serovar 6a, 6x serovar 6b), and two isolates L. seeligeri (serovar 6b). One fecal sample yielded a mixed culture of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua. The results indicate that pigeons are not important in the epidemiology of listeriosis in man and animals.