In this study, 150 raw milk samples collected in Kars once a month between January 2001 and June 2001 was investigated to detect presence and frequency of Listeria spp. In addition to raw milk samples, 11 different kind of silage samples (4 grass silage, 2 sainfoin silage, 2 corn silage, 2 oat silage and 1 vetch silage) were investigated to detect L.monocytogenes. Fourteen (0.93%) Listeria spp. were isolated from raw milk samples. Of 14 Listeria spp., 3 (2%) L.monocytogenes, 3 (2%) L.grayi, 5 (3.3%) L.welshimeri, 2 (3%) L.murrayi 1 (0.6%) and L.innocua were identified. Vetch silage sample was found to be contaminated with L.monocytogenes.

In conclusion, this study indicated that Raw milk samples marketed in Kars were contaminated with Listeria spp. to varying extent. On the other hand, one silage sample contaminated with L.monocytogenes indicated that silage could have potential risk for animals in Kars in respect with Listeriosis