Abortion; approximately 110 days of gestation
Key words: ovine, sheep abortion
Two fetuses aborted by a single ewe at approximately 110 days of gestation. The etiological diagnosis of this abortion was not established; not surprising in view of the fact that the fetal membranes were not available. Also etiologic agents are not identified in the majority of abortions.
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Notes: In general, fetal loss is less than 5% after the first trimester of pregnancy. The causes of abortion are numerous but those of major importance include Chlamydophila abortus, Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter (C. jejuni and C. fetus) and Coxiella burnettii. In some parts of the world Brucella mellitenis is an important pathogen but not in North America.
General responsibilities
Affected ewes should be isolated, feed bunks should be raised to prevent contamination of the feed from the reproductive tract and feces. Vaccinations and antibiotic treatment should also be considered.
Responsibility of the veterinarian with regard to clients
Warn pregnant women about the zoonotic potential of all the abortifacient diseases in sheep (and goats); especially toxoplasmosis which can cause severe birth defects as well (blindness, epilepsy etc.). This is probably more important in the case of goats than sheep because milch (milk-cheese) goats are often regarded as a “home industry” tended to by homemakers or farmers wives. Pregnant women should probably not even work with sheep or goats. If they do, or if they are obliged to attend to dystocias, they should wear face masks to avoid inhaling the sporulated forms of C. burnetti and gloves to prevent the potential ingestion of T. gondii sporocysts.
C. burnetti can be shed in the milk for years after abortion and T. gondii sporocyts can be shed in milk too. Therefore one should not consume small ruminant milk products that have not been pasteurized.
Selected reference:
Gunn, A. J. and Lofstedt, R. 2016. Chlamydiaceae: an update on nomenclature. Vet. Record. 179: 193-194.
Selected reference:
Gunn, A. J. and Lofstedt, R. 2016. Chlamydiaceae: an update on nomenclature. Vet. Record. 179: 193-194.
