Enzootic Abortion (EAE)

Caused by: A bacterial type organism – Chlamydophia abortus (Chlamydia psittaci)

How is the disease spread: From Sheep-to-sheep via birth fluids and placentas from infected ewes the lambs are either dead or weakly and do not thrive and may then die. The ewe will excrete the organism in here afterbirth and fluids for many days after lambing. If she is kept for breeding then will also secrete the organism at subsequent lambings spreading infection to non-infected ewes and also her ewe lambs.

Information: Once infected the organism lies dormant in the ewe or ewe lambs until late pregnancy, when the infection flares up causing the abortion which occurs 2-3 weeks before full-term of the pregnancy.

Appearance of the abortion: Fresh lambs, the placenta has a thickened appearance. The ewe is relatively fine (not ill). The animal should be isolated and the case investigated with the help of your vet. a – culling should be consideration to avoid spread of the bacterium like organism at subsequent lambings when lambs may be born at full term and survive.

Treatment: In the face of an abortion storm – the vet may opt for group treatment with Long-acting oxytetracycline.

Prevention: Vaccinate ewes prior to mating with a vaccine available through the vet.

How to control the disease: Isolate ewes at lambing and clean disinfect the area. Cull aborted ewes. Adopt procedure in the Flock Health plan to actively manage the disease and reduce the risk of spread. Consider buying in EAE-free/accredited stock as replacements. Vaccinate these prior to mating to avoid them becoming infected.

Discuss with your vet a plan to eradicate the disease from the flock.

Measures to take when abortions occur 

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