Abortions in sheep caused by Salmonella Brandenburg: Pathological findings

Extract

In recent years, Salmonella Brandenburg has been a common cause of abortion in sheep in areas of the South Island of New Zealand. The disease is characterised by about 5% (range <1–20%) ewes aborting, and about 50% (range 10–100%) of these ewes die (Clark et al 2004). Abortions occur from 80 days, peaking at about 100–120 days' gestation (Clark et al 2004). On some farms, cases occur over a 2–3-week period and then cease (the typical bell-shaped curve), whereas on other farms, cases keep on occurring until lambing starts (Smart 2000, non-peer-reviewed).