Pathological findings in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) in South Africa.

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is an iconic species of South African megafauna. As the farmed buffalo population expands, the potential impacts on population health and disease transmission warrant investigation. A retrospective study of skin biopsy and necropsy samples from 429 animals was performed to assess the spectrum of conditions seen in buffaloes in South Africa. Determination of the cause of death (or euthanasia) could not be made in 33.1% (136/411) of the necropsy cases submitted due to autolysis or the absence of significant lesions in the samples submitted. Infectious and parasitic diseases accounted for 53.5% (147/275) of adult fatal cases and non-infectious conditions accounted for 34.9% (96/275). Abortions and neonatal deaths made up 11.6% (32/275) of necropsy cases. Rift Valley fever, bovine viral diarrhoea, malignant catarrhal fever, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, anaesthetic deaths, cachexia and hepatotoxic lesions were the most common causes of death. The range of infectious, parasitic and non-infectious diseases to which African buffaloes were susceptible was largely similar to diseases in domestic cattle which supports concerns regarding disease transmission between the two species. The similarity between diseases experienced in both species will assist wildlife veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in captive African buffaloes. The present study likely does not represent accurate disease prevalence data within the source population of buffaloes, and diseases such as anthrax, brucellosis and foot and mouth disease are under-represented in this study. Hepatic ductal plate abnormalities and haemorrhagic septicaemia have not, to our knowledge, been previously reported in African buffaloes.

Histopathological and Serological Analysis of Aborted Ewes and Neonatal Death with Toxoplasma gondii in Duhok City, Kurdistan-Iraq.

This study was carried out on seven flocks of ewes suffered from late abortion and neonatal mortality with the prevalence rate of infection reported as 13.95%. The blood and tissue samples were collected from the aborted ewes in several flocks of Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Serological analysis indicated that all the aborted ewes were confirmed positive for agglutination to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)antibody. The investigation of the aborted fetuses showed the blood-stained fluid in the thoracic and abdominal cavity. Most of the aborted fetuses had also enlarged, congested, and friable livers and lungs. The placenta was swollen, reddish, and friable, and its cotyledons also spotted with whitish foci. T. gondii tachyzoites were also demonstrated in the placental sections of some aborted ewes. Severe congestion, necrosis, and infiltration of multinucleated cells were the most predominant histopathological changes of the aborted fetuses, as well as presented tissue cysts, tachyzoites, and bradyzoites in the liver, brain, heart, and lung. There were also several clusters of dark purple banana-shaped T. gondii tachyzoites within the brain and heart tissues in most of the examined aborted fetuses in different flocks. T. gondii tachyzoites were also detected from the peritoneal ascites of mice inoculated experimentally 12 days following the infection. Moreover, T. gondii tissue cysts were detected from the impression smears of the mice brains 32 days after the infection. Accordingly, the demonstration of T. gondii in Giemsa-stained impression smears associated with characteristic histopathological changes of different organs is a great fundamental method for the diagnosis of T. gondii in aborted cases.

Causes of equine abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in Brazil / Causas de abortamento, natimortalidade e mortalidade em equinos no Brasil

Abortion and complications in reproduction are important causes of economic loss in horse breeding. Studies of its causal agents can help to identify the primary pathogens or other factors involved and define appropriate measures to reduce its occurrence. This research aimed to investigate the primary causes of equine abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in regions of Brazil. Tissue from aborted fetuses, stillbirths, neonates and foals submitted to the Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2010 to July 2013 were processed for viral and bacterial isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Bacterial infection was the primary detected cause of abortion, found in 16 of the 53 animals submitted for bacterial analysis followed by viruses analysis in 2 of 105 animals, and noninfectious causes (neonatal isoerythrolysis) in 2 of 105 animals. Fungi were found in a single sample of 53 tested. The most frequent bacteria recovered were Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, combined E. coli and Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. The following agents were each observed in a single sample: Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Actinobacillus spp., and Rhodococcus equi. The predominant identification of fecal and other opportunistic bacteria as opposed to pathogens commonly associated with equine abortion, such as Leptospira spp. and equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), suggests the need of improving hygiene management of breeding mares to prevent bacterial infection that may cause fetal loss, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality.(AU)

Abortamento e complicações na reprodução são importantes causas de perda econômica na equideocultura. Estudos dos agentes causais podem ajudar a identificar patógenos ou outros fatores envolvidos e definir medidas apropriadas para reduzir sua ocorrência. Esta pesquisa investigou as causas primárias de aborto, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal em equinos de diversas regiões do Brasil. Tecidos de fetos abortados, natimortos e potros submetidos ao Instituto Biológico de São Paulo, Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2010 a julho de 2013, foram processados por meio de técnicas de isolamento viral e bacteriano, PCR, histologia e imuno-histoquímica. Infecção bacteriana foi a causa mais detectada, encontrada em 16 de 53 amostras submetidas à análise bacteriana, seguida de causa viral em 2 de 105 amostras, e causas não infecciosas (isoeritrólise neonatal) em 2 de 105 amostras. Fungo foi encontrado em uma única amostra de 53 testadas. As bactérias isoladas mais frequentemente foram Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli associada a Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. associado a Bacillus spp. Os seguintes agentes foram observados em uma única amostra cada: Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Actinobacillus spp. e Rhodococcus equi. A identificação predominante de bactérias fecais e outras bactérias oportunistas, ao invés de outros patógenos comumente associados a quadros de abortamento equino, tais como Leptospira spp. e Herpesvírus equino tipo 1, sugere a necessidade de maior atenção no manejo higiênico das éguas em reprodução, a fim de prevenir infecções bacterianas que possam causar perda fetal, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal.(AU)

Neonatal mortality associated with sodium monofluoracetate in kids fed with colostrum from goats ingesting Amorimia septentrionalis / Mortalidade neonatal associada ao monofluoroacetato de sódio em cabritos alimentados com colostro de cabras ingerindo Amorimia septentrionalis

Sudden deaths after colostrum ingestion in kids and lambs born to mothers grazing in areas with Amorimia septentrionalis have been reported in the Brazilian northeastern semi-arid region, in Paraíba state. This study aimed to determine whether the sodium monofluoracetate (MF) contained in A. septentrionalis is eliminated in milk, causing the death of kids. After confirming gestation on the 25th day after mating, 26 goats were randomly distributed into three groups. In Group 1, eight goats received fresh leaves of A. septentrionalis in daily doses of 1g/kg body weight, administered at three different periods during gestation: from days 91 to 100, 116 to 125, and from day 140 until delivery day. In Group 2, consisting of 10 females, eight goats received 1g/kg body weight of A. septentrionalis dried and milled leaves, fed daily from the 140th day of gestation until delivery. The other two goats of this group did not ingest the plant during gestation and after delivery the colostrum supplied to their kids was replaced by colostrum of goats from that same group that had ingested the plant. Eight goats from Group 3 (control) did not ingest A. septentrionalis. Seven goats from Group 1 showed signs of poisoning from 2nd to 8th days of plant administration, in all periods, and recovered within 7 to 12 days. Another goat presented severe clinical signs and was submitted to euthanasia in extremis. Two goats aborted. Four kids, from two goats, received colostrum and, after 15 minutes, presented depression, breathing wheezing, lateral recumbence, bleating, and death. Two goats gave birth at night; the two kids were found dead and, at necropsy, it was verified that they were born alive. The last goat in this group gave birth to two kids which showed no signs of poisoning after colostrum ingestion. In Group 2, the eight goats that ingested dry leaves of the plant presented tachycardia and engorgement of the jugular veins; six aborted, and the kids of the other two goats died immediately after delivery without ingesting colostrum. The three kids of the two goats that did not ingest the plant during gestation did not show signs of poisoning after ingesting colostrum from the goats that had ingested the plant. In Group 3, all females kidded normally and the kids showed no signs of poisoning. Ten leaf samples of A. septentrionalis contained 0.00074% ±0.00018 MF. These results demonstrate that the MF of A. septentrionalis is eliminated in colostrum and may cause the death of kids. As in previous reports, the plant also caused abortion.(AU)

Mortes súbitas, após a ingestão do colostro, em cabritos e cordeiros nascidos de mães que pastejam em áreas com Amorimia septentrionalis são relatadas no semiárido da Paraíba. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se o monofluoracetato de sódio (MF) contido em Amorimia septentrionalis é eliminado pelo leite, causando a morte dos cabritos. Após a confirmação da gestação no 25º dia após a cobertura, 26 cabras foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em três grupos. No Grupo 1, oito cabras receberam folhas frescas de A. septentrionalis em doses diárias de 1g/kg de peso vivo, administradas em três períodos diferentes durante a gestação: entre os dias 91 a 100, 116 a 125 e do 140º dia até o parto. No Grupo 2, composto por 10 fêmeas, oito cabras receberam 1g/kg de peso vivo de folhas secas e trituradas de A. septentrionalis, fornecida diariamente do 140º dia de gestação até o parto. As outras duas cabras desse grupo não ingeriram a planta durante a gestação e, ao parirem, o colostro fornecido aos seus cabritos foi substituído pelo colostro de cabras, desse mesmo grupo, que ingeriram a planta. Oito cabras do Grupo 3 (controle) não ingeriram A. septentrionalis. Sete cabras do Grupo 1 apresentaram sinais de intoxicação entre o 2º e 8º dia de administração da planta, em todos os períodos, e se recuperavam em 7 a 12 dias. Outra apresentou sinais clínicos graves e foi eutanasiada in extremis. Duas cabras abortaram. Quatro cabritos, oriundos de duas cabras, receberam colostro e, após 15 minutos, apresentaram depressão, respiração ofegante, decúbito lateral, berros e morte. Dois cabritos, nascidos de duas cabras que pariram durante a noite, foram encontrados mortos e os achados de necropsia permitem afirmar que nasceram vivos. A outra cabra desse grupo pariu dois cabritos que, mesmo mamando o colostro, não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação. No Grupo 2, as oito cabras que ingeriram a planta seca apresentaram taquicardia e ingurgitamento das veias jugulares; seis abortaram e os cabritos das outras duas morreram imediatamente após o parto, sem ingerir colostro. Os três filhotes das duas cabras que não ingeriram a planta durante a gestação não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação após ter ingerido colostro das cabras que tinham ingerido a planta. No Grupo 3, todas as fêmeas pariram normalmente e os filhotes não apresentaram sinais de intoxicação. Dez amostras de folhas de A. septentrionalis continham 0,00074% ± 0,00018 de MF. Estes resultados demonstram que o MF de A. septentrionalis, além de causar abortos, é eliminado pelo colostro podendo causar a morte dos cabritos.(AU)

Preliminary survey on the impact of Schmallenberg virus on sheep flocks in South of Belgium.

Between late February and May 2012, a preliminary anonym survey was conducted among sheep farmers in south of Belgium in order to contribute to future estimations of the economic losses caused by Schmallenberg virus (SBV). Based on clinical signs consistent with SBV infection, this survey involved 13 meat sheep flocks considered as positive flocks with subsequent SBV detection by RT-qPCR [SBV-positive flocks (PF); total of 961 animals], and 13 meat sheep flocks considered as negative flocks (NF; total of 331 animals). These preliminary results indicated several significant characteristics that were more present in PF than in NF. These include an increased rate of abortions (6.7% in PF versus 3.2% in NF), of lambs born at term but presenting malformations (10.1% in PF versus 2.0% in NF) and of dystocia (10.1% in PF versus 3.4% in NF). Lamb mortality during the first week of life was reported more frequently in PF (8 of 13 PF, 61.5%) than in NF (1 of 13 NF, 7.7%). In PF, the observed prolificacy rate was 2-fold lower (93%) than expected (186%). The implementation of a survey at larger scale, including a high number of breeders, is necessary to allow a more detailed analysis of the SBV impact in the sheep sector.

Clinical approach to abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death in dogs and cats.

This article reviews post-mortem examination, sample collection, and diagnostic procedures used to determine the cause of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death in dogs and cats.

[High perinatal mortality associated with triple anthelmintic resistance in a German sheep flock]. / Hohe perinatale Sterblichkeit in einer Schafherde im Zusammenhang mit Dreifach-Anthelminthikaresistenz. Ein Fallbericht.

High perinatal mortality, low milk yields and occasional ewe deaths were investigated in a Dorper sheep flock in Southern Germany. Parasitic gastroenteritis due to Trichostrongylus spp. associated with severe weight loss despite regular anthelmintic treatments of the flock was identified as the underlying cause. A faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test revealed zero reduction after treatment with ivermectin or albendazole, respectively, and a FECR of 57.9% following treatment with levamisole. These results indicate a lack of, or considerably reduced efficacy of substances from all three classical groups of anthelmintics and demonstrate that triple anthelmintic resistance is also present in Germany. The introduction of resistant worm populations with imported livestock, excessive use of anthelmintic drugs and under-dosing of goats have possibly led to the problem in the flock described. Veterinary advice on anthelmintic treatments and responsible parasite control programmes are therefore crucial in small ruminant flocks.

Risk factors for abortion in dairy cows from commercial Holstein dairy herds in the Tehran region.

In last decade, pregnancy loss in dairy cattle has had an upward trend bringing difficulties for breeders: the annual cost is estimated around 396 billion Rials (i.e. around 40 million US$) for the Iranian dairy industry. The present study was conducted to determine the influence of maternal factors on abortion and to predict the probability of abortion as well as the effect of these factors on the fetal lifetime in Holstein dairy cattle. Data from 44,629 established pregnancies that included 14,226 heifers and 30,403 pregnancies from 12,265 parous cows in nine industrial dairy herds around Tehran were used. Overall, 4871 pregnancies of parous cows resulted in abortion. Prediction of the probability of abortion (PPA) was estimated by a logistic regression model. Survival analysis was performed using an accelerated failure time (AFT) model assuming a multi-modal hazard function. Effective factors included age of dam at conception, gravidity, open days, number of previous abortion(s), abortion before/after 60 days of gestation in previous conception, herd and season of insemination. The PPA decreased with increasing open days, increasing gravidity and no previous abortion. In addition, the PPA was greater for cows which had been inseminated during summer versus winter. However, the difference between autumn and spring was not significant. Overall, 25 sires out of 695 from which sperm was collected for artificial insemination (AI) had significantly higher risk of abortion, with odds ratios ranging between 1.44 and 4.73 compared to the average. The survival probability increased slightly during gestation as gravidity increased for cows that had a previous abortion. Cows that had aborted before 60 days of gestation in previous conception tended to abort later in their next conceptions.

Isolamento de Campylobacter jejuni em feto ovino abortado: relato de caso / Isolation of Campylobacter jejuni from ovine aborted fetus: case report

Relata-se o isolamento de Campylobacter jejuni de um feto ovino abortado no terço final da gestação. Em uma semana, observaram-se quatro casos de aborto em ovelhas com quatro meses de gestação. Imediatamente após o terceiro aborto, um dos fetos foi submetido a exame patológico, quando se realizou a colheita do conteúdo do abomaso para análise bacteriológica. A necropsia, somente foram evidenciadas alterações autolíticas. Apenas na microaerofilia encontrou-se crescimento bacteriano puro com características morfo-tintoriais de Campylobacter sp., identificado fenotípica e molecularmente como C. jejuni. Alerta-se para a possibilidade de quadros de abortos em ovinos serem causados por esse patógeno.

Reproductive losses due to Neospora caninum in a beef herd in Argentina.

Reproductive losses in a beef herd of 857 heifers with a pregnancy rate of 86.3% are described. After pregnancy testing, 69 abortions were seen during a 3 month period. Before calving season, three heifers had delivered pre-mature non-viable calves. Serum samples from 58 of 69 aborted heifers were available for serological tests. In order to compare the seroprevalence in non-aborted vs. aborted heifers, 214 pregnant animals were bleed during the abortion storm. In addition, blood samples were collected from two heifers with pre-mature calves and from 16 heifers with their calves prior to colostrum intake. All available serum samples were tested for Neospora caninum antibodies using an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Fifty-nine of 290 (20.3%) evaluated heifers were seropositive. Heifers that aborted and heifers with pre-mature calves were more likely to be seropositive than pregnant heifers and heifers with normal calves [odds ratio (OR), 12.01; 95% CI, 6.18-23.30]. Vaginal mucus from four aborted heifers, and samples from two aborted foetuses and three pre-mature calves were available. Laboratory tests for Tritrichomonas foetus, bacterial and viral isolation, and histological examination were performed. Culture from vaginal mucus and foetal samples were negative. Histological lesions consistent with neosporosis and positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) to N. caninum were found in one aborted foetus and in one pre-mature calf. It is the first description of reproductive losses because of N. caninum in beef herds in Argentina.

A survey of equine abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death in the UK from 1988 to 1997.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A detailed review of laboratory records for equine abortion is fundamental in establishing current disease trends and suggesting problems important for further research. OBJECTIVES: To review the causes of abortion and neonatal death in equine diagnostic submissions to the Animal Health Trust over a 10 year period. METHODS: The diagnoses in 1252 equine fetuses and neonatal foals were reviewed and analysed into categories. RESULTS: Problems associated with the umbilical cord, comprising umbilical cord torsion and the long cord/cervical pole ischaemia disorder, were the most common diagnoses (38.8%: 35.7% umbilical cord torsion and 3.1% long cord/cervical pole ischaemia disorder). Other noninfective causes of abortion or neonatal death included twinning (6.0%), intrapartum stillbirth (13.7%) and placentitis, associated with infection (9.8%). E. coli and Streptococcus zooepidemicus were the most common bacteria isolated. Neonatal infections not associated with placentitis accounted for 3.2% of incidents; and infections with EHV-1 or EHV-4 for 6.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive diagnosis of equine abortion is possible in the majority of cases where the whole fetus and placenta are submitted for examination. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Given the high incidence of umbilical cord torsion and related problems as causes of abortion in UK broodmares, more research on factors determining umbilical cord length and risk of torsion is essential.

Strategies to reduce transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to animals and humans.

Toxoplasma gondii is found in the tissues of food animals and is an important cause of abortion and mortality in sheep and goats throughout the world. It causes mental retardation and loss of vision in congenitally infected children and death in immunosuppressed patients. A live vaccine, using a nonpersistent strain of T. gondii, is available in New Zealand, the UK and Europe which prevents T. gondii abortion in sheep. A live vaccine using a mutant strain of T. gondii (T-263) is being developed in the USA to reduce oocyst shedding by cats. As yet, there are no drugs to kill T. gondii tissue cysts in human or animal tissues. Freezing to -12 degrees C, cooking to an internal temperature of 67 degrees C, or gamma irradiation (0.5 kGy) can kill tissue cysts in meat.

Sex ratio and mortality in a laboratory colony of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

In a retrospective study sex ratio and mortality were analysed in a captive colony of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Seven hundred and thirty-five infants in 294 litters (20 singletons, 119 twins, 140 triplets, 14 quadruplets) out of 57 breeding females were evaluated. The sex ratio at birth was 0.95 males:1.0 females. The frequency of males and females, as well as the sex composition of twins and triplets confirm the assumption of dizygotic twinning in the common marmoset. According to age at death, 9 categories were differentiated, with perinatal mortality being the highest. Once early infancy had passed the probability of a common marmoset infant of our colony reaching childhood is nearly 95%. Sixty per cent of all liveborn infants survived beyond 18 months. Mortality of infants at birth from primiparous mothers did not differ from that of pluriparous females, nor did the survival rate of infants with the filial generation the respective female had reached (F1 to F6). Females with a high ratio of triplets and quadruplets had a lower reproductive success than females with a majority of singleton or twin deliveries. Differential mortality between males and females was not observed. The frequency of stillbirths was not strongly related to parity, but was to litter-size. Most stillborn babies were seen in sets of quadruplets, most abortions in singletons. A normal socialization in a stable social environment, as well as not pairing the animals before they are fully adult, are considered important factors in good breeding success and infant survival.

Anti-leucocyte antibodies and embryonic mortality in embryo transferred cows.

Cows carrying unrelated transferred embryos (ET) produced anti-leucocyte serum antibodies (aLA) more often than cows carrying their own embryos. Cows carrying the ET showed a higher frequency of cytotoxic reactions against leucocytes from 40-60 randomly chosen cows than individuals carrying their own embryos. The percentage of animals with aLA was higher in cows carrying their second or third transferred embryo than in those with their first transferred embryo. There was no change in the frequency of cytotoxic reactions with repeated pregnancies from transferred embryos. There was no difference in the toxicity of aLA in normal pregnant cows and those carrying transferred embryos. Embryonic mortality (EM) of 35, 73 and 88% was noted during pregnancies from the first, second and third successful ET, respectively. Mortality of 48% occurred in the first pregnancy following an unsuccessful ET. Embryonic mortality of 31% occurred in cows simultaneously carrying their own and a transferred embryo. A direct relationship between the presence of aLA and EM in recipients was not proved. Other fertility problems may lead to EM in cows subjected to repeated transfer of foreign embryos.

Diagnosis and control of neonatal losses in sheep.

Perinatal mortality is affected by a variety of management factors and disease processes that create significant losses for the sheep industry. Annual production losses prior to weaning include roughly 15% to 20% of the lamb crop. The majority of these perinatal losses occur during the prenatal, natal, and early postnatal periods, with the predominant wave of mortality occurring during the first several days following birth. Causes of perinatal mortality may vary between flocks and between geographic areas; however, four dominant categories of lamb loss consistently surface: (1) abortions; (2) hypothermia, starvation, and exposure; (3) pneumonia; and (4) stillbirth and dystocia. They account for roughly 50% to 75% of all documented perinatal losses. Veterinarians and producers need to work together to document the type of losses that occur in a given flock and then design economic prevention programs that address these problems. In most cases, traditional prevention programs will need to be replaced by a comprehensive management scheme addressing nutrition, genetics, housing, marketing, lambing husbandry, and labor.

[Intensity of the epizootic process in sheep infected with S. abortus ovis and Chlamydia psittaci var. ovis]. / Vurkhu intenzivnostta na epizootichniia protses pri ovtse, zasegnati ot S. abortus ovis i Chlamydia psittaci var. ovis.

An attempt was made to analyze comparatively the intensity of the epizootic process in young female sheep, ewes (second pregnancy, with no records of abortions in their first pregnancy) and their lambs either with an infection of Salmonella abortus ovis only or with a mixed infection of S. abortus ovis and Chlamydia psittaci var. ovis. This was reached through following up and studying the parameters morbidity, mortality, lethality, index of infectedness, index of deadlines, and fertility. It was found that the intensity of the apparent epizootic process was highest with young females affected with a mixed infection, and it was lowest with ewes affected with a pure infection (Salmonella abortion). The intensity of the inapparent epizootic process was best manifested in the young females affected with a pure Salmonella abortion. With these animals both the index of infectedness and the index of deadlines had highest values.

Perinatal lamb mortality in Western Australia: 5. Vibrionic infection.

Vibrionic abortion was diagnosed in sheep on 48 occasions between 1963-65 and 3 of these were associated with other major abortion pathogens. The outbreaks were scattered throughout the agricultural area of Western Australia. Time-of-death of 91 infected lambs was: ante-parturient death 50.5%, parturient death 13.2% and post-parturient death 36.3% (deaths occurring immediately after death 28.6%, deaths delayed after death 2.2%, and late post-parturient death 5.5%). The majority of lambs had gross lesions, mainly subcutaneous oedema and excess fluid and fibrin in the serous cavities. The characteristic gross liver foci were present in 37.4% of the infected lambs examined. Seven lambs with signs of starvation had liver lesions: necrotic foci (6) and hepatomegaly (1); Campylobacter fetus subsp. intestinalis was recovered from the liver and/or gall bladder of each of the lambs. Epizootiological observations were reported including outbreaks under hot semi-arid conditions.