Abstract
The history, circumstances, clinical signs, post mortem lesions, morbidity, mortality and laboratory findings are described in an abortion storm in sheep that occurred in Mpumalanga, South Africa, associated with infection with Arcobacter skirrowii. Altogether, about 200 Suffolk Down ewes lost 60 lambs in late pregnancy or at term. Although only three foetuses were submitted for investigation, two had signs consistent with a diagnosis of A. skirrowii infection and the organism was isolated from the placentas of both specimens. No abortions had occurred in previous years, or have subsequently. There were no animal introductions prior to the outbreak that could have indicated a source of infection. One stillborn lamb submitted subsequently had lesions consistent with dystocia, and the history and circumstantial evidence indicated that dystocia had been a factor in several more losses. No ewes or rams had shown signs of diarrhoea or other diseases associated with A. skirrowii infection. Twenty-two faecal, preputial and vaginal swab specimens taken from six rams and 13 ewes after the abortion event were all negative for A. skirrowii. This is the first report of abortions in sheep associated with A. skirrowiiin South Africa. Because the genus Arcobacter is similar to Campylobacter, it is possible that infection has gone unrecognised in the past. Veterinarians and laboratories should take note and include this genus in the list of potential abortifacient organisms. The possible role of Arcobacter species in other diseases like enteritis and mastitis, as well as the potential role as a zoonosis, must be borne in mind.
Highlights
Perinatal mortality in lambs is widely regarded as a leading cause of preventable lamb losses (Aitken 2007; Bath & De Wet 2000; Haughey 1991; West, Bruère & Ridler 2002) and a very important factor in determining profitability on sheep farms in many countries
The majority of losses are usually attributed to non-infectious causes in most large surveys, where the starvation, mismothering and exposure complex is held to be the leading cause of death (Aitken 2007; Bath & De Wet 2000; Dennis 1970; Haughey 1991; West et al 2002)
Previous diarrhoea, were chosen for faecal sampling. All of these specimens were submitted on ice with minimal delay with a specific request to examine for the presence of A. skirrowii, but all 22 specimens were reported negative for this organism
Summary
Perinatal mortality in lambs is widely regarded as a leading cause of preventable lamb losses (Aitken 2007; Bath & De Wet 2000; Haughey 1991; West, Bruère & Ridler 2002) and a very important factor in determining profitability on sheep farms in many countries. In the previous year (November 2010), the farmer had sold some 30 non-pregnant ewes and a ram to another farmer in the Koster district, where they were mated in January 2011 This second farmer said he had lost eight sets of twins but this case had not been investigated either. A presumptive diagnosis of A. skirrowii infection was justified Another lamb was presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Science on 10 June 2011, since lamb losses continued. Previous diarrhoea, were chosen for faecal sampling All of these specimens were submitted on ice with minimal delay with a specific request to examine for the presence of A. skirrowii, but all 22 specimens were reported negative for this organism
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