Brucella ovis-induced abortion in ewes

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Reproductive Diseases in Livestock
• Bacterial Infections in Sheep

Background:

• Reproductive losses in sheep flocks can significantly impact agricultural productivity.
• Brucella ovis is a known cause of ovine epididymitis and orchitis.
• The role of Brucella ovis in ovine abortion requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative agent of abortion and associated lesions in two affected sheep flocks.
• To characterize the pathological findings in aborted fetuses and placental tissues.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic examination of aborted fetuses and placental tissues.
• Bacteriological isolation and identification of Brucella ovis.
• Gross and microscopic pathological evaluation of tissues.

Main Results:

• Brucella ovis was successfully isolated from fetal lung and/or abomasal contents.
• Placentitis was a consistent gross pathological finding.
• Microscopic examination revealed suppurative pneumonia and placentitis in affected fetuses.

Conclusions:

• Brucella ovis infection is associated with ovine abortion.
• The bacterium can cause severe fetal pneumonia and placentitis.
• Diagnostic isolation of Brucella ovis is crucial for identifying the cause of ovine reproductive failure.