Coxiella burnetii as the causative agent of abortions in sheep and goats in Cyprus

One of the most serious problems that we deal with in veterinary services is the issue of abortions in sheep and goats. It is an issue that includes many aspects, among which is the annual cause of negative effects in animal population, in the economy, the loss of animals, the pregnancy time wasted the loss in milk production, etc.
Abortions are caused by a number of factors, such as infections by bacteria and viruses, nutritional causes etc.
The project is focused on the implementation of molecular methods as a diagnostic tool in cases of abortions in sheep and goats, where C. burnetii could be one of the causative agents
The survey took place in Cyprus, and samples from abortions such as placentas and embryos were collected and transferred to the State Official Veterinary laboratories that deal with animal health, for the detection of C. burnetti, using molecular diagnostic methods. At the same time samples were examined in order to exclude other agents that may cause abortions, such as Brucella melitensis, Campylobacter fetus, Chlamydophila psittaci and Anaplasma spp.
The results of the research indicated a significant involvement of C. burnetti in abortions in sheep and goats observed in Cyprus. Similar involvement in those abortions seems to have also the pathogen Chlamydophila psittaci. The findings further indicate that the introduction of PCR in the laboratories of the Veterinary Services of Cyprus can be a great diagnostic tool for detection of C. burnetii in abortion materials in combination with the routine method Giemsa stain.
Suggestions and recommendations have been made emphasizing the importance of the freshly-implemented technique (PCR) to be adopted in the routine diagnosis and prevention of the pathogen.