Brucella ovis infection
The Brucella ovis infection ( brucellosis in sheep ) is a notifiable animal disease . The Brucella ovis bacterium from the genus Brucella is pathogenic only for sheep . It occurs worldwide and is one of the most important pathogens for infectious epididymitis in rams .
Etiology and pathogenesis
B. ovis is excreted with the sperm . The transmission usually takes place from frame to frame. Sheep are also infected by mating, but they do not harbor the pathogen for long.
clinic
Characteristically, there is unilateral, rarely bilateral, epididymis of the bucks with deterioration in the quality of the sperm. Conjunctivitis rarely occurs . Sheep can abort . When the kidney becomes colonized, it is also excreted in the urine . Bucks can excrete the pathogen for up to four years.
diagnosis
A serological test using ELISA , KBR and IDT is recommended . Detection in sperm was also possible using PCR . Allergic skin reactions ("Brucellin test") can be evaluated.
therapy
Isolation of infected animals. The castration of infected goats could bring about an improvement. Brucella ovis vaccines are available, but Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis vaccines can also be used. The latter two always taking into account the current epidemic and legal situation.
Animal disease control
B. ovis is not a zoonosis (does not affect humans). In Germany it is notifiable, but control is regulated in the Brucellosis Ordinance. It is also notifiable in Austria, in Switzerland it is classified as Gr. 3 disease to be combated classified.
literature
- Rolle / Mayr: Medical microbiology, infection and disease theory. Enke Verlag, Stuttgart 2007
