Emergence of Group B Streptococcus Disease in Pigs and Porcupines, Italy

Abstract

We describe group B Streptococcus linked to disease in farmed pigs and wild porcupines in Italy. Occurrence in pigs was attributed to transmission from nonpasteurized bovine milk whey. Antimicrobial-resistance profiles in isolates from porcupines suggest no common source of infection. Our findings expand the known host range for group B Streptococcus disease.

Keywords

• group B Streptococcus
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• pigs
• wildlife
• porcupines
• foodborne