Chlamydia pecorum infections in sheep and cattle: A common and under-recognised infectious disease with significant impact on animal health

摘要

There is a growing recognition that infections of livestock by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Chiamydia pecorum, are more widespread than was previously thought. A range of diseases have been associated with this pathogen, with the most important manifestations including infectious arthritis, infertility, enteritis, reduced growth rates, mastitis, and pneumonia. C pecorum infections have also been associated with sub-clinical disease, highlighting our lack of knowledge about its true economic impact on livestock producers.