A comprehensive review of abortion in farm animals is presented. Initially it includes a study of the most important non-infectious causes other than bacteria. This is followed by more detailed discussion of the common bacterial agents Brucella and Salmonella. In addition the role of other less well recognised causes of abortion Campylobacter, Leptospira species as well as others the more sporadically reported species of Corynebacteria, Haemophilus, Nocardia, Pasteurella, Neisseria,Mycobacteria, Bacillus and Streptococci is discussed in terms of occurrence, clinical symptoms, pathogenicity and pathology.
Subsequently other contributory factors such as the immune status following production of antibodies in adult and foetus is discussed. The possibility that mixed infections can contribute to abortion mechanisms is examined. The value of recent diagnostic tools in determining the causative agents of abortion is considered and their significance in controlling abortion in farm animals analysed. Future areas of research including diagnostic investigation is briefly discussed.
An extensive Bibliography of references to farm animal abortion is included
