Keywords
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes has gained worldwide interest because it causes food borne
illnesses. Present study was performed on three hundred and seventy five samples of
fresh poultry (turkey & chicken) collected from different poultry meat sales centers,
in Gaza Strip. Results showed that Listeria species could be isolated from both
internal and external parts of poultry samples with an incidence rate of 14.1%. Five
Listeria species were isolated and identified by Listeria API system (L.
monocytogenes, L. ivanovii, L. grayii, L. innocua and L. welshimeri). Isolation of
these species was higher in external parts than internal parts of poultry suggesting
contamination from external sources. These findings suggest the need for
implementing more strict measures to reduce contamination during processing,
handling and storage.