Project Title: Investigation of infectious etiology of small ruminant abortion in Ontario with emphasis on Chlamydophila spp. and Coxiella burnetii

Introduction Abortion in sheep and goats has become increasingly important as the significance of commonly involved pathogens – in particular Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus, becomes better understood. C burnetii is well known as the cause of Q-fever in humans, and a recent outbreak of this disease in the Netherlands was associated with the dairy sheep and goat industry. (ROEST) Cp. Abortus is associated with abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. (WALDNER) Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter jejuni are also well recognized causes of abortion in small ruminants and zoonotic diseases.