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Epidemiological studies on ovine brucellosis in selected ram flocks
Australian Veterinary Journal
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Ovine brucellosis can infect rams as young as four months old, causing epididymitis and semen excretion of Brucella ovis. Chronically infected animals maintain stable antibody levels, highlighting infection dynamics in sheep flocks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Ovine brucellosis is a significant concern in ram flocks.
- Anomalous complement fixation test (CFT) reactions prompted this investigation.
- Understanding Brucella ovis epidemiology is crucial for flock health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of ovine brucellosis in affected ram flocks.
- To determine the age of susceptibility in rams.
- To characterize clinical and serological responses to Brucella ovis infection.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation in six ram flocks with positive CFT results.
- Clinical examination for epididymitis.
- Semen collection and analysis for Brucella ovis excretion.
- Serological monitoring of antibody titres.
Main Results:
- Rams can be infected with Brucella ovis as early as four months of age.
- Naturally infected rams may develop epididymitis and excrete the bacteria in semen.
- Some infected rams exhibit transient serological responses and recover, while others remain chronically infected with stable antibody titres.
Conclusions:
- Early infection with Brucella ovis is possible in rams.
- Clinical signs and bacterial shedding vary among infected animals.
- The study underscores the importance of considering abortive infections and reinfection in disease management strategies for ovine brucellosis.