Infectious causes of reproductive loss in camelids

Abstract

Reproductive losses in camelids are due to infertility, pregnancy loss, udder diseases and neonatal mortality caused by a variety of infectious diseases. Uterine infection and abortion represent the major complaint in camelid veterinary practice. The major infectious organisms in endometritis and metritis are E. coli and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. Abortion rates due to infectious diseases vary from 10% to more than 70% in some areas. Leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and chlamydiosis have been diagnosed as the major causes of abortion in llamas and alpacas. In camels, brucellosis and trypanosomiasis represent the major causes of infectious abortion in the Middle East and Africa. Mastitis is rare in South American camelids. The prevalence of subclinical udder infection in camels can reach very high proportions in dairy camels. Udder infections are primarily due to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. Neonatal mortality is primarily due to diarrhea following failure of passive transfer and exposure to E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Coccidia and Salmonella. This paper reviews the etio-pathogenesis of these causes of reproductive losses, as well as the major risk factors and strategies to prevent their occurrence.

Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats and its Serodiagnosis and Epidemiology

“…Most breeds of goats are readily infected, but sheep breeds vary greatly in susceptibility. B. melitensis infections have also been reported occasionally in cattle, camels and dogs, and rarely in horses and pig (Tibary et al, 2006). Infections in sheep and goats can spill over into wild ruminants; however, there is no evidence that these animals serve as reservoir hosts for domesticated sheep and goats.…”

“…melitensis is considered to be a re-emerging pathogen in the Middle East (Tibary et al, 2006). It has been eradicated from some nations, but the cost of surveillance to remain B. melitensis -free is significant.…”

“…Survival is longer when the temperature is low, particularly when it is below freezing. Cattle and other species can be infected with B. melitensis after contact with infected sheep and goats (Tibary et al, 2006). It has not been established whether cattle can maintain this species indefinitely in the absence of contact with small ruminants.…”

“…Ruminants usually abort only during the gestation when they are first infected. Inflammatory changes in infected mammary glands usually reduce milk yield by a minimum of 10% (Tibary et al, 2006). Fertility in males can be permanently impaired.…”

Characterization of the Microanatomy and Histopathology of Placentas From Aborted, Stillborn, and Normally Delivered Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and Llamas (Lama glama)

“…37 In most cases, the etiopathogenesis of alpaca and llama abortions remains undetermined. 6,24,37 The large percentage of idiopathic abortions and stillbirths in New World camelids, combined with the void in the current literature on abortions and their causes in these species, presents a problem for attending veterinarians and diagnosticians 20,37,40 and precludes the development of preventative strategies. In cattle, a portion of idiopathic abortions may be due to abnormal genetic, hormonal, metabolic, or developmental factors, which are difficult to identify in routine diagnostic laboratory submissions.…”