Porcine abortion caused by Bacillus sp

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Animal Reproduction
• Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

• Bacillus species are recognized causes of abortion in cattle and sheep.
• Bacterial-induced abortion in swine is less commonly reported.
• Understanding the role of Bacillus species in porcine reproductive failure is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and impact of Bacillus species as a cause of abortion in swine.
• To document the isolation of Bacillus species from aborted porcine fetuses.

Main Methods:

• Examination of 962 aborted porcine fetuses.
• Isolation and identification of Bacillus species from fetal samples.
• Histopathological examination for lesions compatible with bacterial infection.

Main Results:

• Bacillus species were isolated from 4 of the 962 examined porcine fetuses.
• Lesions consistent with bacterial infection were observed in these cases.
• The incidence suggests sporadic rather than widespread herd problems.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus species can cause abortion in swine, though rarely.
• Porcine abortions attributed to Bacillus species are likely sporadic.
• This finding is unlikely to represent a significant economic reproductive failure in swine herds.