Week 9- Small Ruminant Fertility Flashcards
What is the major pathogen causing Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE)?
Chlamydophila abortus
EAE is a significant cause of abortion in ewes, transmitted through abortion materials and uterine discharge.
What are the clinical signs of Chlamydophila abortus infection?
- Abortion in last 3 weeks of gestation
- Fresh dead or weak lambs
- Red/brown vaginal discharge
- Ewe is systemically well
How does infection with Chlamydophila abortus affect pregnancy timing?
Infection >6 weeks pre-lambing = abortion ~2-3 weeks early; infection close to lambing = latent infection → next season abortion
What is the primary agent of Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii
Cats are the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii.
What are the signs of Toxoplasmosis at different timings during pregnancy?
- Early: Embryo loss → infertility/high barren rates (8–10%)
- Mid: Mummified foetuses at term
- Late: Aborted/dead/weak lambs
What is a characteristic placental sign of Toxoplasmosis?
Strawberry-like white foci (1–3 cm)
What are the signs of Border Disease?
- Barren ewes
- Abortions
- Stillbirths
- Weak lambs
- ‘Hairy shaker’ lambs – pathognomonic
What is the transmission method of Campylobacter fetus?
Feed/water or abortion material
What are the clinical signs associated with Salmonella infections?
- Systemically ill, pyrexic ewes
- High ewe mortality
- Rotten lambs
Which pathogen is associated with spoiled silage and dark/wet environments?
Listeria monocytogenes
What are the clinical signs of Listeria monocytogenes infection during pregnancy?
- Any stage pregnancy
- Pyrexia
- Abortion
- Necrotic cotyledons
- Yellow liver foci in foetus
What is the impact of Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) on pregnancy?
Last week of pregnancy
What are the signs of Schmallenberg Virus during ewe pregnancy?
- High barren rate
- Abortions
- Live malformed lambs with various deformities
What are the signs of abortion associated with Chlamydophila abortus in ewes?
- Vaginal discharge
- Ewe is well otherwise
What is the recommended approach if 2% of the flock aborts?
Investigate the abortion outbreak
What are the minimum samples to collect during an abortion outbreak investigation?
- Maternal serology
- Foetal stomach contents
- Placenta
What are the first steps to take during an abortion outbreak?
- Isolate ewe
- Disinfect pen
- Remove bedding and abortion material
- DO NOT foster lambs onto affected ewes
- Mark affected ewes for future tracking
- Submit lab samples promptly
What are the treatment and control measures during an outbreak?
- Isolate affected animals
- Antibiotics if ewe unwell or RFM (oxytetracyclines)
What is the purpose of a closed flock system in prevention?
To limit the introduction of new pathogens
What is the formula for calculating Lambing %?
Lambs born per ewe mated
What factors influence reproductive performance in ewes?
- Breed
- Nutrition
- Age
- Disease status
What is the ram effect in sheep breeding?
Vasectomised rams stimulate ewes to cycle synchronously
What are common issues affecting ram fertility?
- Poor libido
- Nutrition
- Disease
- Heat stress
What is the role of micronutrients like zinc, selenium, and cobalt in ram fertility?
Essential for spermatogenesis
What methods are used for synchronisation in small ruminants?
- CIDRs (progesterone-releasing devices)
- FGA sponges
What actions should be taken if two ewes abort but otherwise appear well?
- Isolate ewes
- Do not foster lambs
- Submit foetal and placental samples
What are the signs of Toxoplasma gondii infection in ewes?
- Mummified foetuses
- Weak or dead lambs
- Ewe otherwise healthy
Fill in the blank: The agent responsible for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes is _______.
Chlamydophila abortus
True or False: Toxoplasma gondii has cats as its definitive host.
True
