Farm Animals

Sheep Abortion Disease Welfare

Infectious abortion in sheep from Enzootic abortion (EAE), Toxoplasma, Campylobacter, and Listeria causes significant welfare suffering and economic loss, with vaccination preventing the majority of cases.

Key Facts

Enzootic abortion (Chlamydia abortus) is the most common cause of sheep abortion in the UK
EAE causes late-term abortion and stillbirth with affected ewes appearing normal before abortion
Toxoplasma gondii transmitted from cat faeces causes early fetal death and reabsorption
Campylobacter fetus causes abortion storms affecting multiple ewes simultaneously
Vaccination against EAE and Toxoplasma is highly effective preventing most infectious abortions

Welfare Considerations

Infectious abortion causes suffering through dystocia, retained fetal membranes, and systemic disease. Vaccination prevents the majority of infectious causes at low cost.

What You Can Do

Implement vaccination against EAE and Toxoplasma in all at-risk flocks
Exclude cats from feed stores to prevent Toxoplasma contamination
Investigate abortion storms immediately to identify and control infectious cause
Work with your vet on a flock abortion diagnostic protocol