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Summary
Ovine contagious epididymitis, caused by Brucella ovis and other bacteria, reduces ram fertility. Control involves serological testing, lesion palpation, and vaccination for ovine brucellosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Ovine contagious epididymitis is a significant reproductive disease in rams.
- Key causative agents include Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus seminis, and Histophilus ovis.
- Transmission routes include venereal contact and, for Actinobacillus seminis, ewe-to-lamb spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causative organisms of ovine contagious epididymitis.
- To discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control strategies for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ovine contagious epididymitis.
- Analysis of transmission routes and pathological outcomes.
- Evaluation of diagnostic and control measures.
Main Results:
- Chronic infection can lead to spermatic granulomata and reduced ram fertility.
- Eradication strategies for ovine brucellosis involve serological testing (complement-fixation test), lesion palpation, and removal of infected animals.
- Vaccination is a recommended control measure in some regions.
Conclusions:
- Effective control of ovine contagious epididymitis requires understanding its diverse etiology and transmission.
- Diagnostic and management strategies, including serological testing and vaccination, are crucial for disease control.
- Taxonomic review of involved Gram-negative bacteria is needed.