What is Enzootic Abortion?

Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) is caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila abortus. It is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in UK sheep1, costing the UK sheep industry up to £20 million annually2.
Infection is primarily spread through the aborted material and reproductive fluids of infected ewes, and bacteria can be shed for up to 3 weeks after abortion3.

REFERENCES:
1. Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) report, APHA and Scotland’s Rural College, 2018.
2. Milne C.E., et al. Epidemiological modelling of chlamydial abortion in sheep flocks, Veterinary Microbiology (2008), doi:10.1016/.vetmic.2008.09.032.
3. Mearns L. Abortion in sheep – Investigation and principal causes. In Practice (2007) 29, 40-46

Use this site to find out more

This website helps you find out more about EAE, including how and why to vaccinate your flock and protect your farm. There are helpful downloads so you can build a library of information, as well as a regularly updated map showing the number of farms tested positive per county.

REFERENCES: 1. Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) report, APHA and Scotland’s Rural College, 2018.
2. Milne C.E., et al. Epidemiological modelling of chlamydial abortion in sheep flocks, Veterinary Microbiology (2008), doi:10.1016/.vetmic.2008.09.032.
3. Mearns L. Abortion in sheep – Investigation and principal causes. In Practice (2007) 29, 40-46