Story: Diseases of sheep, cattle and deer

Brucella ovis infection

Brucella ovis infection

Brucella ovis or contagious epididymitis is a sexually transmitted disease of rams that causes infection and distortion of the testis, which produces sperm, and the epididymis, which is a coiled tube that stores and matures the sperm. B. ovis reduces a ram’s fertility. About 3% of New Zealand flocks have the disease. The diseased testicle (left) is enlarged in comparison with the normal one (right).

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Reference: D. M. West, A. N. Bruere and A. L. Ridler, The sheep: health, disease & production. Palmerston North: Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, 2002, fig.

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How to cite this page:

Gary Clark, Neville Grace and Ken Drew, 'Diseases of sheep, cattle and deer - Reproductive and nervous system diseases', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/17437/brucella-ovis-infection (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Gary Clark, Neville Grace and Ken Drew, published 24 Nov 2008