Eperythrozoon ovis and copper poisoning as causes of jaundice in lamb carcases

A total of 126 lamb carcases, of which 80 were jaundiced and 46 were grossly normal at routine meat inspection, were examined. Two specific diseases were demonstrated to be associated with jaundiced carcases. Eperythrozoon infection was demonstrated in 65% of jaundiced, and 12% of non-jaundiced carcases from jaundice-affected lots, but not in 5 normal carcases from unaffected killing lots. Copper poisoning was demonstrated in 2 of the jaundiced carcases. Infection with Eperythrozoon ovis was therefore the condition most commonly associated with, and presumably the major cause of jaundice in these lamb carcases. Copper poisoning was a less common cause of jaundice.