Prevalence of Abortifacient Disorders in Small Ruminants: a Comprehensive Review

Abortifacient disorders in small ruminants present a serious problem for livestock farmers, leading to financial losses and lower production rates. This review examines both infectious and non-infectious factors that cause abortions in goats (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries), which are crucial animals in rural farming practices. Infectious causes, such as bacteria (Brucella melitensis, Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii), viruses (bluetongue, border disease), and parasites (Toxoplasma gondii), are major factors in reproductive health problems, resulting in considerable livestock losses. Additionally, non-infectious factors like poor nutrition, toxins, and genetic issues also contribute to these reproductive challenges. Diagnosing the causes of abortion often requires complex testing of tissue samples, emphasizing the importance of advanced diagnostic tools. Preventing these disorders through vaccinations, better management practices, and health programs is key to minimizing their impact. This is particularly important in countries such as Pakistan, where small ruminants are essential to sustaining the agricultural economy.