Eperythrozoonosis of sheep
The taxonomy of the causative organism has been revised and it is now known as Mycoplasma ovis.
Diagnosis
Demonstration of Mycoplasma ovis and anaemia in sheep.
The presence of the organism is insufficient to establish the diagnosis as it can be found in normal sheep. Other causes of anaemia must be excluded.
Specimens required
- Blood films from 10 affected and at least 20 apparently normal animals in the flock for examination for M ovis (See Specimens for Haematology - preparation of blood films').
- Blood samples from affected animals in EDTA vacuum tubes for haematology.