Chlamydophila abortus

Chlamydophila abortus (formerly called Chlamydia psittaci ) is a cause of abortion and foetal loss in sheep, cattle and goats in many countries around the world. First described in sheep in Scotland in 1936, enzootic abortion in sheep is also known as ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) or enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE).

Human infections with this organism follow inhalation of infected material from livestock, and may lead to respiratory disease.

C. abortus is found in many sheep-rearing countries around the world and is an important cause of abortion in sheep. The organism is excreted by infected and aborting ewes in large amounts in diseased placenta, uterine discharges and faeces. Uninfected sheep probably acquire infection at lambing time by ingestion of the organism.