|
Enzootic abortion of ewe and goats due to Chlamydophila abortus formerly
known as
Chlamyda psittaci. The disease causes abortion and is a potential zoonosis.
|
|
Classification
|
|
OIE, List B disease
|
|
Susceptible species
|
|
Goats and sheep and less commonly cattle and deer. Humans are also
susceptible.
|
|
Distribution
|
|
Enzootic Abortion of ewe is present in Europe, North America and in some
African Countries. In the Pacific Region is only suspected in French
Polynesia.
|
|
Clinical signs
|
- Abortion,
- Placentitis,
- Low fertility result (as a consequence of abortions)
|
|
Post-mortem findings
|
|
No fatality
|
|
Differential diagnosis
|
|
Other causes of abortion in small Ruminants:
|
|
Specimens required for diagnosis
|
|
Smear from placenta material is the best specimen. Identification of
the agent is best done by antigen detection (ELISA, fluorescent antibody test)
or PCR. Culture and isolation is also possible.
For serological test
Fixation Complement and ELISA are available.
|
|
Transmission |
|
Enzootic abortion is transmited orally by food, water and straw.
It can also be transmitted by aerosol. The organism is shed in blood and
milk for up to 4 months and in the urerus for 6 months.
|
|
Risk of introduction |
|
Enzootic abortion of ewe can be introduced by importation of infected
small ruminants. It seems that there is no link between
Chlamydophila abortus and the possibility
Chlamydophila abortus of birds.
|
|
Control / vaccines
|
|
Inactivated and live vaccines are available that reduce the incidence of abortion, but do not prevent infection. They assist in control of the disease but will not eradicate it. Serological screening during the period after parturition helps to identify infected flocks, to which control measures can then be applied.
|
| References
|
- Caprine arthritis/encephalitis, In Merck Veterinary Manual,
National Publishing Inc. Eight ed, 1998, Philadelphia, p 523-526
- Caprine arthritis/encephalitis, In Veterinary Medicine,
Saunders, Eight ed, 1997, London p. 1110-1112
- Office International des Epizooties, 2002
|
