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Ram epididymitis: A clinical report.
B L Swift1, F Craddock, H A Hancock
1Division of Microbiology and Veterinary Medicine Larmie, Wyoming 82071 USA; Division of Animal Science University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming 82071 USA.
Theriogenology
|March 1, 1982
Summary
In a ram performance trial, four rams developed epididymitis despite Brucella ovis vaccination. Actinobacillus seminis was identified as the cause of the clinical signs in these sheep.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Health
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Epididymitis is a significant concern in ram flocks, impacting reproductive performance.
- Brucella ovis is a common pathogen associated with ram epididymitis.
- Vaccination protocols are employed to mitigate disease incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiology of clinical epididymitis in ram lambs undergoing a performance trial.
- To identify the causative agent in rams exhibiting symptoms post-vaccination.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 205 ram lambs from multiple sources was utilized.
- All rams received a commercial Brucella ovis bacterin immunization.
- Clinical monitoring for epididymitis was conducted over a 150-day period.
- Bacteriological identification was performed on affected animals.
Main Results:
- Four out of 205 ram lambs exhibited clinical signs of epididymitis during the trial.
- Actinobacillus seminis was successfully isolated and identified as the causative agent in these four rams.
- The incidence suggests potential challenges with Brucella ovis vaccination efficacy or alternative pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Actinobacillus seminis can cause clinical epididymitis in ram lambs, even in vaccinated populations.
- This finding highlights the importance of considering differential diagnoses beyond Brucella ovis in cases of ram epididymitis.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the prevalence and impact of Actinobacillus seminis in sheep.