| Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) is caused by a bacteria Chlamydophila abortus (Chlamydia psittacci). It is a zoonotic disease that affects humans, birds, sheep, goats and cattle.
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How is it transmitted? Exposure to the birthing fluids and placentas of aborting animals. Drying of the aborted fetus birthing fluids can result in inhalation of the organism. Ewes rarely abort a second time but remain persistently infected and can shed the organism during their estrus cycles.
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Transmission occurs upon exposure to infected birthing fluids
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| Signs in animals? C. abortus causes chronic infection of the reproductive tract, abortion and retained placetas in ewes. Vaginal discharges may be suggestive of abortion. |
Abortion in ewes is a common sign |
What are the symptoms in humans? People typically have abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, malaise, and myalgia. Pregnant women are very susceptible to infection and abortion if exposed to infected ewes
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More information at Merck Vet Manual:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/110305.htm&word=Chlamydophila%2cabortus |
