To prevent this organism from growing, cook turkey immediately after thawing or cool cooked turkey rapidly and refrigerate promptly. Usually associated with ground beef, the organism can be found in ground turkey. E. coli is sensitive to heat and can be destroyed by thorough cooking. It also is important to follow proper sanitation methods and avoid cross-contamination from equipment and utensils. Listeria monocytogenes is found in water, soil and sewage.
Many healthy humans are carriers as are healthy wild and domestic animals.
The disease that results is called listeriosis, which is often manifested in a mononucleosis-like infection or meningitis. Because of the seriousness of these symptoms and other long-term effects of the disease, there is significant concern in the scientific community about listeria monocytogenes. Research continues in an effort to learn about this organism o how to eliminate contamination or kill the bacteria. Until more is known, the best advice is to avoid serving raw meats and unpasteurized milk. Salmonella bacteria are widespread in nature and live and grow in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals.