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Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (C. abortus)
Infectious DiseaseReproductionBacteriaOvineNew
Key Points
  • Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) is caused by Chlamydia abortus and is one of the most important infectious causes of abortion in sheep
  • Infection is often acquired months before pregnancy and remains latent until late gestation (final 2-3 weeks) when abortion occurs
    • Ewes typically remain clinically healthy throughout infection and abortion
  • Classic placental lesions include a thickened, oedematous placenta, red-brown exudate covering the placental surfaces and areas of necrosis
  • PCR of aborted materials is the best confirmatory test but serology can be used to assess herd exposure
  • Oxytetracycline helps to reduce abortion losses and bacterial shedding but it doesn’t eliminate latent infections
  • Prevention relies on vaccination, strict biosecurity, good buy-in management and prompt isolation of aborting ewes
  • C. abortus is ZOONOTIC and can cause illness and miscarriage in pregnant women
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Toxoplasmosis (T. gondii)
  2. Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter spp.)
  3. Q fever (C. burnetii)
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →