Sheep Breeds Research Articles

Multi-Etiological Abortion due to Campylobacter spp. and Chlamydia abortus in a Sheep

In this case, multi-etiologic abortion due to Campylobacter spp. and Chlamydia abortus was determined in an aborted sheep fetus sent to Konya Veterinary Control Institute (KVKE) from a sheep farm operating in Aksaray province in 2020. The presence of Campylobacter spp. was determined by the bacterial isolation method. C.abortus was identified by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. This study should be published in order to emphasize that in the fight against sheep abortions, multi-etiologic abortions involving multiple agents should be taken into consideration in addition to a single etiologic agent, and a multidisciplinary approach should be used in the diagnosis to identify the abortion agents.

Prevalence of Helminths in Small Ruminant Farms and Evaluation of Control Practices Used to Counter Anthelmintic Resistance in Southern Italy.

Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a serious worldwide problem. To reduce their spread, it is essential to know the prevalence of helminths on farms and the control practices adopted. As these studies in the Calabria region of southern Italy are fragmentary and outdated, a study on the prevalence of helminths in small ruminant holdings in this area has been conducted. The measures implemented to control helminths were also evaluated through questionnaires administered to farmers. In particular, on 90 farms (45 sheep and 45 goats), 1800 faecal samples from 900 sheep and 900 goats were collected in the spring. Using the FLOTAC dual technique, parasitological examinations demonstrated the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes in 100% of sheep and goat farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. (84.44% sheep and 48.89% goats), Moniezia spp. (73.33% sheep and 35.56% goats), Trichuris ovis (48.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), lungworms (28.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), Strongyloides papillosus (40% sheep and 26.67% goats), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (13.33% sheep and 26.67% goats), Calicophoron daubneyi (6.67% sheep and 31.11% goats), Fasciola hepatica (6.67% sheep and 4.44% goats), and Skrjabinema ovis (4.44% sheep and goats). The questionnaires showed that 82% and 85% of the farmers had applied pasture rotation, and that 93.3% and 86.6% had used anthelmintics in the previous year for sheep and goats, respectively. Only 24.4% of sheep farmers and 11.3% of goat farmers had carried out parasitological tests prior to treatments. The most used classes of anthelmintics were macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles, and only in 21.6% and 15.6%, for sheep and goats, respectively, was drug rotation carried out. These results denote that helminths represent a health problem for small ruminants and highlight a lack of knowledge of parasite control strategies among farmers. In these conditions, anthelmintic resistance phenomena could develop over time. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all possible strategies for the control of helminths, and to prevent the spread of anthelmintic resistance phenomena on farms in southern Italy.

Massese, Sarda and Lacaune Dairy Sheep Breeds: An Environmental Impact Comparison

The dairy sheep sector is an important sector in semiarid and arid areas. So far, the environmental impact of sheep milk production in these areas is scarcely known. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of milk production on three farms that differ in the breed reared, namely Sarda (S), Lacaune (L) and Massese (M), in Tuscany (a Mediterranean region in central Italy). The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied to calculate the environmental performance of the farms, and the following impact categories were studied: climate change, freshwater, marine and terrestrial eutrophication, acidification, water use and land use. The L farm showed the lowest values for most impact categories and the M farm the highest. These results can be attributed to the greater productivity and efficiency of the L breed compared to the other two. Only for water use did the M farm cause a lower impact, underscoring the importance of applying characterization factors at the sub-watershed level.

Weighted single-step genome-wide association study for direct and maternal genetic effects associated with birth and weaning weights in sheep

Body weight is an important economic trait for sheep meat production, and its genetic improvement is considered one of the main goals in the sheep breeding program. Identifying genomic regions that are associated with growth-related traits accelerates the process of animal breeding through marker-assisted selection, which leads to increased response to selection. In this study, we conducted a weighted single-step genome-wide association study (WssGWAS) to identify potential candidate genes for direct and maternal genetic effects associated with birth weight (BW) and weaning weight (WW) in Baluchi sheep. The data used in this research included 13,408 birth and 13,170 weaning records collected at Abbas-Abad Baluchi Sheep Breeding Station, Mashhad-Iran. Genotypic data of 94 lambs genotyped by Illumina 50K SNP BeadChip for 54,241 markers were used. The proportion of variance explained by genomic windows was calculated by summing the variance of SNPs within 1 megabase (Mb). The top 10 window genomic regions explaining the highest percentages of additive and maternal genetic variances were selected as candidate window genomic regions associated with body weights. Our findings showed that for BW, the top-ranked genomic regions (1 Mb windows) explained 4.30 and 4.92% of the direct additive and maternal genetic variances, respectively. The direct additive genetic variance explained by the genomic window regions varied from 0.31 on chromosome 1 to 0.59 on chromosome 8. The highest (0.84%) and lowest (0.32%) maternal genetic variances were explained by genomic windows on chromosome 10 and 17, respectively. For WW, the top 10 genomic regions explained 6.38 and 5.76% of the direct additive and maternal genetic variances, respectively. The highest and lowest contribution of direct additive genetic variances were 1.37% and 0.42%, respectively, both explained by genomic regions on chromosome 2. For maternal effects on WW, the highest (1.38%) and lowest (0.41%) genetic variances were explained by genomic windows on chromosome 2. Further investigation of these regions identified several possible candidate genes associated with body weight. Gene ontology analysis using the DAVID database identified several functional terms, such as translation repressor activity, nucleic acid binding, dehydroascorbic acid transporter activity, growth factor activity and SH2 domain binding.

Genome-wide comparative analysis reveals selection signatures for reproduction traits in prolific Suffolk sheep.

The identification of genome-wide selection signatures can reveal the potential genetic mechanisms involved in the generation of new breeds through natural or artificial selection. In this study, we screened the genome-wide selection signatures of prolific Suffolk sheep, a new strain of multiparous mutton sheep, to identify candidate genes for reproduction traits and unravel the germplasm characteristics and population genetic evolution of this new strain of Suffolk sheep. Whole-genome resequencing was performed at an effective sequencing depth of 20× for genomic diversity and population structure analysis. Additionally, selection signatures were investigated in prolific Suffolk sheep, Suffolk sheep, and Hu sheep using fixation index (F ST) and heterozygosity H) analysis. A total of 5,236.338Gb of high-quality genomic data and 28,767,952 SNPs were obtained for prolific Suffolk sheep. Moreover, 99 selection signals spanning candidate genes were identified. Twenty-three genes were significantly associated with KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology terms related to reproduction, growth, immunity, and metabolism. Through selective signal analysis, genes such as ARHGEF4, CATIP, and CCDC115 were found to be significantly correlated with reproductive traits in prolific Suffolk sheep and were highly associated with the mTOR signaling pathway, the melanogenic pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathways, among others. These results contribute to the understanding of the evolution of artificial selection in prolific Suffolk sheep and provide candidate reproduction-related genes that may be beneficial for the establishment of new sheep breeds.

FAIR VALUE AND COST APPROACHES IN ACCRETION ACCRETION OF SHEEP BIOLOGICAL ASSETS (CASE STUDY AT KENDAL OPEN PRIVATE FARM)

The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe the measurement of the biological assets of sheep using the fair value and cost approach in accordance with the concept of accretion to the measurement of biological assets contained in PSAK 69. PSAK 69 which refers to IAS 41 emphasizes that biological assets are measured fairly and if the difference included in profit or loss in the financial statements. However, in the context of the application of commodity agribusiness in Indonesia, discrepancies are still found, therefore more studies are needed to discuss the application of PSAK 69 to agricultural commodities in Indonesia, especially in sheep farming. The focus of the research was carried out at the Kendal Open Prison Farm. The research method is a qualitative descriptive research by obtaining data through interviews and observation at the research location. The results are the recognition of the biological assets of sheep using the fair value approach is less relevant than the cost approach in agribusiness commodities in Indonesia during the transformation of the development of biological assets.

Notes from the Field: Anthrax on a Sheep Farm in Winter - Texas, December 2023-January 2024.

Notes from the Field: Anthrax on a Sheep Farm in Winter - Texas, December 2023-January 2024.

Analisis SWOT Wisata di Kampung Pasir Angling Desa Suntenjaya

Pasir Angling Village has tourism potential that can be developed as an agro-tourism destination in West Java, especially in the Lembang area. However, many tourist attractions in this village have not been managed optimally so they have not attracted many tourists. This Community Service Program aims to analyze and identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of each tourism potential in Pasir Angling Village, as well as formulate effective suggestions and recommendations to overcome weaknesses and threats in the context of revitalizing the Agroedutourism Village. Data collection methods include interviews, discussions, filling out questionnaires, and direct observation at each tourist attraction in Pasir Angling Village. Observation results show several potential tourist attractions in Kampung Pasir Angling, including Curug Luhur Cibodas, Jaipongan and Pencak Silat Cultural Tourism, Sheep Farming and Cow Milking Tourism, Strawberry Picking Agrotourism, Bincarung Campground Park, as well as community MSMEs for souvenirs tourists such as Angling Caramel Candy, Angling Banana Sale, Lemon Slice, and Angling Coffee. After carrying out a SWOT analysis, it was found that this village has strengths and opportunities such as adequate tourist capacity, many tourist destinations, and the availability of clean water. Pasir Angling Village only needs more intense and focused development and management so that its tourist value becomes higher quality in the eyes of tourists. However, there are several weaknesses and threats that need to be corrected, such as less strategic location, lack of public transportation, lack of labor, lack of directional facilities, and competition with other tourist locations in the local area. This program is expected to increase public awareness of existing tourism potential, the importance of maintaining this potential, and promoting it to the general public.

Compendium of 5810 genomes of sheep and goat gut microbiomes provides new insights into the glycan and mucin utilization

BackgroundRuminant gut microbiota are critical in ecological adaptation, evolution, and nutrition utilization because it regulates energy metabolism, promotes nutrient absorption, and improves immune function. To study the functional roles of key gut microbiota in sheep and goats, it is essential to construct reference microbial gene catalogs and high-quality microbial genomes database.ResultsA total of 320 fecal samples were collected from 21 different sheep and goat breeds, originating from 32 distinct farms. Metagenomic deep sequencing and binning assembly were utilized to construct a comprehensive microbial genome information database for the gut microbiota. We successfully generated the largest reference gene catalogs for gut microbiota in sheep and goats, containing over 162 million and 82 million nonredundant predicted genes, respectively, with 49 million shared nonredundant predicted genes and 1138 shared species. We found that the rearing environment has a greater impact on microbial composition and function than the host’s species effect. Through subsequent assembly, we obtained 5810 medium- and high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), out of which 2661 were yet unidentified species. Among these MAGs, we identified 91 bacterial taxa that specifically colonize the sheep gut, which encode polysaccharide utilization loci for glycan and mucin degradation.ConclusionsBy shedding light on the co-symbiotic microbial communities in the gut of small ruminants, our study significantly enhances the understanding of their nutrient degradation and disease susceptibility. Our findings emphasize the vast potential of untapped resources in functional bacterial species within ruminants, further expanding our knowledge of how the ruminant gut microbiota recognizes and processes glycan and mucins.4UTuEuRwTx7UvdwKUcENuWVideo

Analysis of genetic variants for different horn phenotypes and their inheritance in Icelandic sheep

Abstract. Icelandic sheep are characterized by a great diversity in horn phenotypes. Within their breed, they show a variability in terms of this trait to an extent rarely observed elsewhere. Previously, several genetic variants were published as markers for horn status (in terms of absence or presence of horns, including scurs) and horn traits (e.g., oval horns, horn length and polyceraty). The aim of this study was to genotype, for the first time, five of these genetic variants in Icelandic sheep with different horn phenotypes, as well as to analyze their inheritance. Phenotypic and pedigree data, as well as DNA samples from two Icelandic sheep farms, were used. Genetic variants were genotyped by published PCR-based methods in all samples (n=94) or in subsets. As in other sheep breeds with variable horn status, the inheritance of the presence or absence of horns was shown to be complex in Icelandic sheep, especially when sheep carry anything other than regularly formed horns. The 1.78 kb sized RXFP2 insertion on ovine chromosome 10 previously described to be associated with polledness in several sheep breeds was also found to be present in Icelandic sheep and showed some association but not a perfect segregation with the individuals' horn statuses. Missing associations were especially seen in sheep with scurs and oval horns. Regarding horn shape, there was no agreement with the studied variants described in Chinese breeds having comparable horn traits. However, matching tendencies were seen for the horn size variant that was found in the same study. All sheep with four or more horns carried the already published 4 bp deletion in HOXD1, as previously described for three other sheep breeds. Interestingly, for the first time, the deletion was also detected in phenotypically polled animals originating from multi-horned families. According to the results from animals genotyped simultaneously for the RXFP2 and the HOXD1 variants, polledness in sheep with a genetic disposition for polyceraty seems not to be controlled by the RXFP2 insertion. However, this and all other findings in Icelandic sheep need to be confirmed by analyzing a higher number of well-phenotyped animals.

Increasing GSH-Px Activity and Activating Wnt Pathway Promote Fine Wool Growth in FGF5-Edited Sheep.

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) plays key roles in promoting the transition from the anagen to catagen during the hair follicle cycle. The sheep serves as an excellent model for studying hair growth and is frequently utilized in various research processes related to human skin diseases. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate four FGF5-edited Dorper sheep and only low levels of FGF5 were detected in the edited sheep. The density of fine wool in GE sheep was markedly increased, and the proportion of fine wool with a diameter of 14.4-20.0 μm was significantly higher. The proliferation signal in the skin of gene-edited (GE) sheep was stronger than in wild-type (WT) sheep. FGF5 editing decreased cortisol concentration in the skin, further activated the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and regulated the expression of Wnt signaling pathways containing Wnt agonists (Rspondins, Rspos) and antagonists (Notum) in hair regeneration. We suggest that FGF5 not only mediates the activation of antioxidant pathways by cortisol, which constitutes a highly coordinated microenvironment in hair follicle cells, but also influences key signals of the Wnt pathway to regulate secondary hair follicle (SHF) development. Overall, our findings here demonstrate that FGF5 plays a significant role in regulating SHF growth in sheep and potentially serves as a molecular marker of fine wool growth in sheep breeding.

Evaluating serum electrolyte and trace element variations between Babesia ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep

Babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is a major threat to the livestock industry worldwide. In Pakistan, the Lohi sheep breed is an important economic resource, but limited information is available on the impact of B. ovis infection on this breed. This study aimed to investigate the serum electrolyte and trace element variations between B. ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep from Pakistan. A total of 97 Lohi sheep was stratified based on the geographical distribution of Multan district, employing a multistage cluster sampling method. Blood and serum samples were collected from randomly selected sheep, and DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed to detect B. ovis infection. Serum electrolyte and trace element levels were analyzed in infected (n=67) and uninfected (n=30) groups, stratified by age and gender. The study revealed a 69.07% overall infection rate of B. ovis in Lohi sheep. Infected sheep showed significantly elevated serum copper levels (p<0.0001), with no substantial differences observed in serum iron, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. However, age-wise variance analysis revealed statistically significant variations in sodium and potassium levels (p<0.0001 and p<0.05, respectively). Notably, serum chloride levels differed between infected and uninfected females in individuals younger than two years (p<0.05). Serum iron levels remained consistent across different age groups. Comparative analysis indicated a higher prevalence of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and hypoferremia, in infected sheep compared to normal reference ranges, while instances of hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and hyperferremia were less frequent. In conclusion, our study suggests that B. ovis infections could lead to alterations in serum electrolyte and trace element levels in Lohi sheep, emphasizing the importance of further research into the specific mechanisms driving these alterations to enhance disease management strategies tailored to this breed.

Investigation of the Thermodynamic and Kinetic Behavior of Acid Dyes in Relation to Wool Fiber Morphology.

Wool fibers from several different sheep breeds in the UK have very limited applications. The main aim of this study was to establish an understanding of the dye sorption properties of different wool fibers through thermodynamics and kinetics of dyeing using Acid Red 1 dye. Wool fibers from Leicester, Ryeland, and Dartmoor sheep breeds were pretreated (to remove impurities) and dyed using Acid Red 1. Leicester showed 7% higher dye exhaustion than Dartmoor wool fibers (20% on mass of fiber). Dyeing equilibrium results for both Leicester and Dartmoor wool fibers were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the theoretical maximum sorption capacities were 164 and 144 mg g-1, respectively. Leicester, Ryeland, and Dartmoor also followed the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters like Gibb's free energy (ΔG°) and standard affinity (Δμ°) of the fibers were calculated to understand the interaction of the Acid Red 1 with wool fibers. The difference in dye uptake was explained through the possible involvement of the scale opening gap (surface morphology) of the wool fibers.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminant Farms in Southern Spain.

The primary population of small ruminants in Spain is concentrated in the southern region, a critical area for the country's livestock production. Indirect economic losses can occur when this livestock is affected by gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these parasites in small ruminant herds (159 sheep and 39 goats) through coprological analyses and conducted a survey on farmers' management practices related to gastrointestinal parasite control. The survey results revealed some important aspects: monitoring through coprological analyses is not a common practice; veterinarians are not typically involved in deworming plans; anthelmintic treatment in adults is often applied twice a year in sheep and once a year in goats; and finally, drug rotation was higher in sheep farms. Coprological analyses showed Eimeria spp. as the most common parasitic infection, followed by Strongyles infection. Other parasites like Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp., and D. dendriticum were less important, although their prevalence was higher in sheep than goats. This constitutes the first report on the epidemiological status of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in southern Spain. Based on the survey findings, the introduction of certain management measures on farms could potentially mitigate parasite infections.

Biotechnological methods for improving reproduction on sheep breeding program using laparoscopic artificial inseminations in Debrecen, Hungary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the LAI method in different types of breeds and seasonal variations. Analysing n=536 LAI in 7 years, there were no significant differences observed in the breed in lambing rates. Although the lambing rate of Prolific Merino (F+) was better than any other breed (45.3%). We found significant differences between breeds of Tzigaia, its pregnancy rate was 19.2%. In the case of prolificacy there were significant differences between breeds: Prolific Merino’s (FF) was the highest (2.38) and, Indigenous Tzigaia’s was the lowest (1.4) from all of them. The obtained results showed that summer inseminations were the most effective in concern of pregnancy rate (49.5%). The results are based on use of the types of semen, showed that using frozen semen was most effective than fresh semen in both parameters, however there were no significant differences. Summarising all tested conditions in our study breeds, seasons and type of semen using LAI the total results of pregnancy rate was 40.3% and the prolificacy was 1.78, respectively. Follow up the out-of-season ovarian, progesterone level of n=36 Prolific Merino were examined and insulin, IGF-1, leptin, T3, and T4 hormones as well, to evaluate the energetic status of the flock. Progesterone analysis showed 43% of examined ewes had a cyclical ovarian function in April and a cyclical ones had good reaction for estrus-induction hormonal treatment. Our results showed that valuable information can be obtained about energy supply from the determination of some metabolic hormones as IGF-1, insulin, leptin.

The status of conservation and management of indigenous sheep breeds in South Africa - A review

Indigenous sheep breeds in South Africa play an important role in local food security and they are adapted to local conditions. Their genetic and cultural values have to be recognised for national importance. The conservation of these breeds is very critical as most of them are already classified as endangered. The South African government has the initiative to attempt the conservation of these animals; however, it comes with several challenges. In addition to funding, breed conservation demands farmers to understand and recognise the role of such breeds in society. This is especially crucial in the rural communal lands where breeds are kept. Farmers that raise indigenous breeds should be taught the necessity of maintaining the purity of these breeds. Indigenous sheep breeds in South Africa are not favored by the commercial farmers and thus they are more vulnerable. This review outlines the nature of sheep farming and the conservation status of four indigenous sheep breeds in South Africa. The effort and challenges that are met in current conservation arrangements are discussed. Moreover, we emphasise on the conservation techniques that are employed in South Africa.

Meningoencephalitic Listeriosis in Iranian Sheep and Goats

Background: Meningoencephalitic listeriosis is a significant disease affecting goats and sheep, with potential implications for public health. This study aimed to investigate and report the occurrence, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, and further understanding of neurolisteriosis in the goat and sheep populations in Tehran, Qazvin, and Kurdistan provinces of Iran. Methods: From 2018 to 2021, a program was implemented to monitor multiple flocks for meningoencephalitic listeriosis. Clinical manifestations of animals that showed suspected neurological signs of listeriosis (19 animals) were recorded, and necropsies were performed. Sampling of the brain tissue of infected animals was done. The specimens underwent a 'cold-enrichment' procedure, and subsequent culture and biochemical tests were conducted to confirm the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Results: According to the clinical and bacteriological findings, 19 animals were diagnosed with neurolisteriosis. The affected animals exhibited various signs of the disease, including head deviation, head tilt, head pressing, mouthfuls, walking in circles, drooping of the ear, and unilateral hypalgesia. L. monocytogenes was isolated from brain samples of 11 animals. Conclusion: The study revealed potential indications of meningoencephalitic listeriosis in certain breeds of goats and sheep. Recognizing these typical signs can contribute to early detection, diagnosis, and proper management of listeriosis cases, improving welfare and health outcomes for affected animals. The results underscore the importance of strengthened disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on performance, biological responses, and thermal stress resilience in heat-stressed fattening lambs across varying temperature-humidity index conditions: Implications for climate change

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep have innate mechanisms to manage heat stress, prolonged exposure impairs their performance and health. This study evaluated the influence of varying doses of Curcumin Nano-Micelle (CNM) on heat-stressed fattening lambs in northeastern Iran over three months, examining the relationship between CNM doses and growth performance, feeding behavior, physiological responses, immune function, and antioxidant status. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) CTRL: No dietary inclusion of CNM, (control group); 2) T20: Dietary inclusion of 20 mg of CNM per head per day; 3) T40: Dietary inclusion of 40 mg of CNM per head per day; and 4) T80: Dietary inclusion of 80 mg of CNM per head per day. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with 20 and 40 mg of CNM significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated quadratic models between growth performance parameters and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), indicating a correlation between CNM doses and the animals' responses to heat stress. Regarding eating behavior, CNM doses of 40 and 80 mg/day significantly reduced eating time while increasing ruminating time. Blood analysis indicated significant reductions in glucose levels across all treatments, with T40 significantly reducing both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, CNM supplementation decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant status. Physiological responses were influenced by CNM, notably reducing rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), while pulse rate (PR) increased across various time intervals, particularly in the T80 group. This study demonstrates that CNM supplementation can enhance performance, physiological responses, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed fattening lambs, highlighting its potential to mitigate heat stress effects in sheep farming.

Seroprevalence of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) in sheep in the Kwahu West municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana

Query fever, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. It is a cause of abortion in livestock and presents as a febrile illness in humans. A correlation between the incidence of the disease in humans and abortion in goats and sheep farms has been reported in countries such as the Netherlands and Australia. In Ghana, the occurrence of Q fever in both livestock and humans has not been fully explored. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever in livestock in Nkawkaw, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Sera obtained from 92 sheep from 12 farms were tested using the indirect multi-species ELISA for the detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Animal demographics, farms’ proximity to human settlement and history of abortion in relation to the Q fever status were assessed.The overall prevalence of Q fever was 13.0 % [95 % CI 6.9–21.6] (12/92). Both sexes were equally affected, with a sex-specific prevalence of 13.0 % each. The farm-specific prevalence was 50 %. Abortions were reported on eight (8) of the 12 farms, and all farms were located less than 200 m from human habitation. Only proximity of farm to human settlement showed statistical significance. Q fever is prevalent in Nkawkaw and requires the attention of both animal and health authorities, using the One- Health approach to nip any future epidemics in its bud.

Boyhood Among the Woolies: Growing Up on a Basque Sheep Ranch by Richard W. Etulain (review)

Boyhood Among the Woolies: Growing Up on a Basque Sheep Ranch by Richard W. Etulain (review)