Diagnostics for early gestational abortion in small ruminants
The Veekijker has been contacted several times in recent months by veterinarians and livestock farmers with questions about abortions after 2 to 3 months’ gestation. These inquiries are raised by both sheep and goat farmers, as well as their veterinarians. One commonly expressed concern was the effect of bluetongue virus on the fertility of sheep and goats. This effect is thought to be very small for non-pregnant animals, and only indirect where it is indeed applicable. Scientific studies have yielded no indications of the female reproductive system being affected. It is possible in the aftermath of the virus that changes in management were applied that had some kind of effect, or that some animals were in poorer condition. Bluetongue is occasionally linked to abortions in small ruminants when the mother animal has suffered an acute infection during the pregnancy.
Abortion, premature birth, stillbirth and weak lambs or kids in small ruminants are regularly occurring problems. The length of gestation at the moment of abortion is an important piece of data. Early abortion is defined as occurring between 42 and 100 days’ gestation. Before 42 days, it is referred to as embryonic death. Abortion before 100 days’ gestation is not always noticed. In a few cases, discharges may be seen or part of the placenta may be visible; in a very limited number of cases, a foetus is also found. Diagnostics can therefore be a challenge.
There are both infectious and non-infectious causes of gestational abortion. If either the foetus or the placenta, or both, are available, these are the materials that are preferred for diagnostic testing. Vaginal swabs can also be used for excluding chlamydiosis. However, Chlamydia abortus mostly causes abortions in the final stage of the pregnancy. The added value of serological testing is generally limited, given that the commonest infectious causes of abortions are ubiquitous and no causal link with the abortion can be established. If an elevated abortion rate is observed, notifying the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is mandatory.
Embryonic death or early gestational abortion may sometimes be suspected if the proportion of pregnancies during the lambing period turns out to be lower than was expected. At that point, it is virtually impossible to determine whether the animals had been pregnant at all or to determine the cause of any losses. Scanning sheep or goats earlier in the season can help determine a reliable pregancy rate during early gestation. Comparing this data with the final number of animals that produce lambs or kids provides an overview of the losses incurred during gestation.
Many of the infectious causes of abortions are zoonoses; it is therefore important that pregnant women avoid both direct and indirect contact with sheep and goats during lambing season.
Animal health monitoring
Royal GD has been responsible for animal health monitoring in the Netherlands since 2002, in close collaboration with the veterinary sectors, the business community, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, veterinarians and farmers. The information used for the surveillance programme is gathered in various ways, whereby the initiative comes in part from vets and farmers, and partly from Royal GD. This information is fully interpreted to achieve the objectives of the surveillance programme – rapid identification of health issues on the one hand and monitoring trends and developments on the other. Together, we team up for animal health, in the interests of animals, their owners and society at large.
Rare skin tumour found in a sheep in the Netherlands
A case of cutaneous lymphoma has been observed in a sheep for the first time in the Netherlands. A six-year-old Welsh Hill Speckled Face ewe, one of a herd of six hundred sheep used for grazing, presented with distributed lumps in the skin in October 2024. The veterinarian initially suspected sheep and goat pox (SGP), given the recent outbreaks in Southern Europe and the clinical similarity. The case was reported to the
Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Further laboratory investigations done by Wageningen Bioveterinary Research excluded SGP as a possibility.
Despite treatments, the skin condition worsened and the animal was ultimately euthanased. Post-mortem examination by GD showed that the nodules in the skin were a
Bluetongue virus serotype 12
Bluetongue virus serotype 12 (BTV-12) was detected in the Netherlands for the first time on 10 October 2024. The infection was found in a sheep in Kockengen and a cow and her calf in Harmelen; both places are in the province of Utrecht. This serotype has not previously been detected in the Netherlands or the European Union, but does occur in other parts of the world, such as Israel and countries in southern Africa.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) immediately launched further investigations to map the spread of BTV-12. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) found BTV-12 through retrospective examination of samples submitted for suspected bluetongue on
thirteen farms. Based on those findings, studies were carried out during the winter months to determine the prevalence of BTV-12 on ten infected cattle and sheep farms.
There is currently no vaccine available in the European Union for BTV-12. The ministry has informed vaccine manufacturers about this new variant as a precautionary measure. Livestock farmers and vets are advised to be alert for symptoms of bluetongue and report suspicions immediately to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. Timely reporting is crucial for effective control.
form of B-cell lymphoma. This type of tumour is extremely rare in sheep and has not previously been described in the Netherlands.
This case emphasised the importance of early recognition of atypical clinical presentation by veterinarians and livestock farmers. Rapid action and diagnostic testing can help identify new or rare animal diseases.
The discovery that BTV-12 is present emphasises the importance of constant vigilance and cooperation between livestock farmers, veterinarians and the authorities in ensuring the health of Dutch livestock.
Recent monitoring within the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in the UK revealed additional cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) and one case of serotype 12 (BTV-12). BTV-12 was detected in one cow on a farm near Ashford, Kent. The British authorities are continuing surveillance in the region to map out any further spread of the virus. Possible routes by which it could have been introduced are also being analysed.
Selenium intoxication in goats caused by incorrect dosing
Since the beginning of this year, the Veekijker has been involved in two cases of selenium intoxication in goats. In both situations, the intoxication was probably due to administration of a trace element supplement registered for use in cattle. A dosing error led to the goats accidentally being given too much selenium. This was
confirmed by analysis of liver tissue, which revealed elevated selenium levels.
Toxic effects of selenium given by injection usually occur acutely, depending on the dose administered. Symptoms that may occur include pulmonary oedema due to cardiovascular failure, laminitis and paralysis
due to necrosis of the spinal cord. The chronic condition is manifest itself in poor coat quality and abnormal horn growth.
Copper deficiency in backyard goats: an underestimated problem
Copper is an essential trace element for goats, playing an important role in their growth, coat quality, bone development and nerve function. Nevertheless, copper deficiency occurs regularly in backyard goats. The deficiency is mostly caused by insufficient copper in the diet or by the presence of other minerals such as molybdenum, sulphur and iron that inhibit copper uptake.
Goats that graze on copper-deficient soil or that are fed diets containing insufficient copper are the ones most at risk. Many commercial feeds are formulated specifically for sheep, which have a low copper requirement compared to goats. Consequently, goats consuming these feeds may receive insufficient copper without it being readily apparent. In addition, certain grasses and feed concentrates may contain high levels of molybdenum or sulphur, resulting in copper not being absorbed well.
Prolonged deficiency can lead to severe health problems. Goats with copper deficiency often have dull coats or exhibit growth retardation. Black goats can develop a reddish-brown appearance. Moreover, deficiency can lead to anaemia, lethargy and weak or deformed bones. Neurological symptoms in goat kids, such as swayback, are often one of the most obvious indications of a deficiency in adult goats. More subtly, fertility problems can also be the result of copper deficiency.
Various tests can be carried out to diagnose copper deficiency. Blood tests give an indication of copper levels, but the most reliable method is a liver biopsy, which measures the amount of copper stored in the body. In addition, a feed analysis can help check whether the food being given contains enough copper and whether minerals are present that may block absorption.
If copper deficiency is established, it can be supplemented in several ways. It can be done using copper-enriched feed or supplements, if properly monitored. Giving them sheep feed is not recommended as it contains too little copper. Although a deficiency is harmful, excessive copper is also dangerous. Overdoses can lead to copper accumulating in the liver and eventually to intoxication. It is therefore important to monitor the copper status of the animals properly and draw up a balanced nutrition plan in consultation with a vet.
Animal health barometer – Small Ruminants
Disease/disorder/ health characteristic
Brief description Category Quiet1 Increased attention2 Further investigation3
Articles 2.1.a and 2.1.b of the Designation of Animal Diseases in the ‘Rules for Animal Health’/Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 of the Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429 (Category A diseases)
Infectious pleuropneumonia in goats (CCPP)
(Mycoplasma capricolum subs . capripneumoniae)
Never detected in the Netherlands. A+D+E *
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Not reported in the Netherlands since 2001.
An outbreak was discovered in January 2025 at a water buffalo farm in Germany. High-risk imports from the area surrounding the farm have been investigated by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NWVA). No further spreading has been detected.
Infection with goat plague (a.k.a. PPR, peste des petits ruminants)
Never detected in the Netherlands.
Various outbreaks have been reported in Europe since July 2024. In addition to outbreaks in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania, infections have been reported more recently in Hungary, near its western border. There have been warnings that people in the region are often reluctant to inform the authorities.
Infection with Rift Valley Fever virus (RVF)
Never detected in the Netherlands.
Sheep pox and goat pox (SGP) Never detected in the Netherlands.
From October 2023 onwards, multiple outbreaks have been confirmed in Greece. Several outbreaks have recently been reported in Bulgaria.
A+D+E *
A+D+E * *
Articles 2.1.a and 2.1.b of the Designation of Animal Diseases in the ‘Rules for Animal Health’/Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 of the Animal Health Law (EU) 2016/429 (Categories B to E)
Infection with Brucella abortus, B. melitensis
Infection with the rabies virus
The required numbers of random samples for 2024 have been achieved. All results were negative and the Netherlands therefore retains its disease-free status. GD is paying a great deal of extra attention to obtaining the necessary number of samples for this monitoring. The BTV-3 outbreak has rendered the acquisition of the necessary samples a considerable challenge.
Detected very rarely in bats.
B+D+E *
B+D+E
Disease/disorder/ health characteristic
Infection with the bluetongue virus (serogroups 1-24)
Epididymitis in sheep (Brucella ovis)
Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
(M. bovis, M. caprae, M. tuberculosis)
Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)
Paratuberculosis (Mycobacterium avium subs. paratuberculosis)
Q fever (Coxiella burnetii )
Brief description
An outbreak of BTV-3 has been ongoing since September 2023. The virus causes severe problems on sheep farms and to a lesser extent on cattle and goat farms.
Since 2023, BTV-3 has become widespread throughout Europe.
Since September 2024, BTV-12 has been detected at a limited number of farms in the Netherlands. The United Kingdom also recently reported a positive finding for BTV-12.
Examination of rams for export purposes. Not previously confirmed in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has been officially free of bovine tuberculosis since 1999.
Last registered outbreak in cattle in 1993. No infections detected since then.
Regular cases, largely in goats (inc. dairy) and occasionally in sheep.
The final dairy goat farm with C. burnetii was certified free from infection in 2016. In 2024, Q fever was detected at a dairy sheep farm in Bakel. A group of lambing one-year-olds that were not vaccinated against Q fever were shown to be excreting the Q fever bacterium after lambing.
Echinococcosis An echinococcus cyst was detected during pathological examination of a sheep in April 2023. The specific type is not known.
Trichinellosis No known cases of trichinellosis in sheep or goats.
Article 2.1.c Designation of animal diseases in the ‘Rules for Animal Health’ of the Dutch Animals Act
Transferable TSEs (scrapie, BSE)
Virtually no cases among sheep in the past ten years. In goats, the first case of scrapie occurred in 2000, and the most recent case was in 2001.
Article 3a.1 Notification of zoonoses under the ‘Rules for Animal Husbandry’ of the Dutch Animals Act
Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter spp.)
Leptospirosis (Leptospira Hardjo)
A few cases per year. Particularly known as a cause of abortion in sheep.
There have been no cases in sheep or goats for several years. However, in 2024, there was a suspicion of this condition in aborted sheep foetuses, but the diagnosis could not be confirmed due to the non-cooperation of the sheep farmer involved.
Continuation of table
Disease/disorder/ health characteristic
Listeriosis (Listeria spp.)
Salmonellosis (Salmonella spp.)
Yersiniosis (Yersinia spp.)
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii )
Other OIE list diseases
Enzootic abortion (Chlamydia abortus)
Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE)
Brief description
Encephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes is regularly found in sheep and especially in dairy goats. Problems caused by listeriosis are reported at a few dairy goat farms each year. How long listeria bacteria are excreted into the milk for is not known.
Both L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii can cause abortion in sheep and goats.
Since 2016, there have been recurrent and large-scale losses of kids at dairy goat farms, caused by a multiresistant S. Typhimurium. There also were multiple cases of illness in humans caused by the same MLVA strain of the bacterium. In recent years, a draft programme has been developed as part of the PPS salmonellosis project in dairy goat farming. The decision on implementation will be taken by the dairy goat sector.
A few cases per year. Identified as a cause of diarrhoea, mortality and abortion.
Only a few confirmed cases per year but probably one of the most commonly occurring causes of abortion. High seroprevalence has previously been demonstrated in sheep and goats.
One of the main causes of abortion in goats and sheep for many years. Distribution from farm to farm is through contaminated female breeding stock. It is exceedingly challenging to address once it has been introduced to a flock. Enzootic abortion is an zoonosis and therefore one of the key reasons why pregnant women should not work with small ruminants at lambing time.
Commonly occurring disease in which the pathogenic virus sometimes behaves differently depending on the size of the farm. Source of introduction is not always clear.
Maedi-visna virus (MVV) A significant infectious disease (or indeed the most significant) at sheep farms, larger ones in particular.
Tularaemia (Francisella tularensis)
Since 2011, infected hares have regularly been found in the Netherlands, as well as a small number of human tularaemia patients.
Mycoplasma agalactiae Never detected in the Netherlands.
Nairobi sheep disease Never detected in the Netherlands.
Heartwater (Ehrlichia ruminantium)
Never detected in the Netherlands.
* * pilot study in 2025 into
Chlamydia spp. in small ruminants associated with abortion
Disease/disorder/ health characteristic
Infections with Schmallenberg virus (SBV)
From monitoring
Abortion in small ruminants
Cutaneous lymphoma in a sheep
Adenocarcinomas in grazing sheep
Lameness caused by BTV
Selenium intoxication caused by incorrect dosing
Acute death of lambs
Brief description
There have been infections confirmed with SBV every year since 2011, resulting in congenital abnormalities in lambs. There have also been various notifications in early 2024 of lambs showing congenital abnormalities caused by SBV. Excluding other possible causes of such congenital abnormalities in lambs remains important for early detection of the introduction of other viruses from the Bunyaviridae group.
During the early months of 2025, various infectious agents were detected that cause abortions in sheep and goats. Many causes of abortions are also zoonoses.
An unusual diagnosis in a sheep with a generalised skin condition resulting from a cutaneous lymphoma. The clinical presentation showed strong similarities to SGP.
Multiple cases of adenocarcinomas. The clinical picture suggests ENTV. The material has been forwarded for definitive diagnosis.
Several reports about lameness caused by abnormal hoof growth after infection with bluetongue virus.
Multiple cases of selenium intoxication in goats after incorrect use of a preparation for injection.
Multiple reports in the Veekijker of acute death among older male lambs as a result of sepsis caused by Bibersteinia trehalosi
1 Quiet: no action required or action is not expected to result in a clear improvement.
2 Increased attention: alert to an anomaly.
3 Further investigation: further investigation is ongoing or required.
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