SEROPREVALENCE OF CHLAMYDOPHILA ABORTUS IN SHEEP IN ТНЕ BELGRADE EPIZOOTIOLOGICAL AREA DURING 2019-2021

Abstract

As one of the most important infective agents of abortion, Chlamydophila abortus takes an important place in pathology of ruminant reproductive tract. In sheep, the disease known as enzootic abortion of ewes or ovine enzootic abortion, and is manifested as abortion and accompanied reproductive disorders, thus resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The characteristics of the pathogen and its zoonotic potential make this disease significant both for animal and public health. Therefore, the presented study aimed to obtain Chlamydophila abortus seroprevalence in sheep population in Belgrade epizootiological area. The study was done by testing 552 sheep sera samples from 10 municipalities of Belgrade city, during the 2019-2021 period. Serological examination was performed using ELISA assay (ID Screen^® Chlamydophila abortus Indirect Multi-species, IDvet, Grabels, France). The obtained results showed Chlamydophila abortus seroprevalence of 6% in Belgrade epizootiological area. The largest number of seropositive sheep was found in municipality of Palilula. The detected antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus confirmed the circulation of the pathogen in sheep population in Belgrade epizootiological area. The obtained results show the need for further studies and continuous implementation of measures for detection, control, prevention and eradication of the disease.