Common causes in New South Wales include toxoplasmosis, campylobacteriosis, listeriosis, brucellosis, Border disease, Akabane virus and pasteurellosis. Other causes include chlamydiosis and conditions causing clinical illness in the ewe or doe, e.g. salmonellosis, hypocalcaemia, pregnancy toxaemia, septicaemia. Habitual abortion can occur in Angora does.

Specimens required

1. Foetus and foetal membranes submitted whole in an insulated container. They should be chilled, not frozen. (If individual tissues are sent, there is a reduced chance of reaching a diagnosis)
2. Serum sample from the aborting ewe or doe, and from up to 10 flockmates, submitted chilled.
3. Body fluid (pericardial, thoracic or peritoneal) or heart blood from foetus.

(See Abortion in cattle re specimens for virology).