Listeria strain found in milk plant

BOSTON, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Massachusetts health officials say that the strain of listeria responsible for three deaths has been found on the floor of a dairy linked to the outbreak.

The bacteria was discovered near a piece of equipment used on the production line after the milk is pasteurized, The Boston Globe reported.

"Finding it in the environment there closes the final loop," Dr. Alfred DeMaria, director of communicable disease control, said. "This was a totally unique strain."

Inspectors found the strain of listeria in seven unopened containers of milk, while unrelated strains have been found elsewhere in the plant. Officials say that they do not know if other milk production facilities have similar levels since most never get examined so thoroughly.

Five cases of listeria have been reported, with three deaths.

Whittier Farms in Shrewsbury is a small old-fashioned operation that sells milk at its own retail store and through home delivery in the Worcester area. The company had been given high marks in previous inspections.