Enzootic Ovine Abortion among small ruminants in Southern Benin.

Abstract

The advancement of small ruminant farming in Benin has encountered challenges associated with health issues and agricultural practices. This study aimed to provide the initial documentation of the prevalence of enzootic ovine abortion and evaluate the health status of animals concerning various recurring diseases on traditional small ruminant farms in Benin. In 2023, a semi-structured survey of 450 farms was carried out in two agricultural development centers in Benin. Additionally, 385 sera samples (200 sheep and 185 goats) from 77 farms, selected from the 450 surveyed farms, where animals exhibited signs of reproductive loss, underwent testing using the indirect Elisa method for Chlamydia abortus species. Among the 385 sera samples tested, 30 (7.79%) from pole 1 and 25 (6.49%) from pole 2 were positive for Chlamydia abortus. The survey results unveiled that small ruminants were primarily raised for savings and, to a lesser extent, for meat production and socio-cultural reasons, predominantly in Pole 1. During the rainy season, the common practice among farmers is to let their animals run free, although some opt to tie them to a fixed stake or keep them in loose confinement, the latter being more common in pole 2. The primary animal diseases reported by farmers included peste des petits ruminants, scabies, verminous digestive diseases, pasteurellosis, Rift Valley fever, sheep pox, agalactia, and trypanosomosis. The incidence of these diseases varied between the poles. Enzootic Ovine Abortion emerges as a substantial threat to both animal well-being and public health. This research sheds light on the overlooked nature of this perilous disease, aiming to contribute to the enhancement of small ruminant livestock.