Ovine genital actinobacillosis: A review

Abstract

Actinobacillus seminis infection in rams constitutes a spectrum of pathological changes in various genital organs, with a predilection for the cauda epididymis. There is a need to understand the disease, as it represents a significant factor contributing to infertility and sterility. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological characteristics of A. seminis, modes of transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathological changes of the disease, the laboratory techniques that have been used in diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention, and the considerations that need to be taken into account for future research.

KEY WORDS:

• Sheep
• ovine actinobacillosis
• genital actinobacillosis
• Actinobacillus seminis
• laboratory diagnosis
• transmission
• epididymitis
• orchitis
• infertility

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Kansas, USA, for funding this research into ovine genital actinobacillosis.