Brucella ovis
Phylum Proteobacteria
Class Alpha Proteobacteria
Order Rhizobiales
Family Brucellaceae
Genus Brucella
Species B.ovis

Introduction

Brucella ovis is the bacterial organism responsible for Ovine Epididymitis. It is one of the Brucella genus of bacteria.

It is a gram negative coccobacillus that sometimes forms chains in tissues.

Lifecycle

Brucella ovis can be transmitted by the stable fly.

Pathogenesis

Severe inflammation of the epididymis particularly the tail cause formation of spermatocoeles and fibrinous adhesions.

Diseases

Ovine Brucellosis AKA Ovine Epididymitis. Disease is notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

References

<references\> Animal Health & Production Compendium, Brucella ovis datasheet, accessed 02/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/

Merck Veterinary Manual, Brucellosis in sheep, accessed online 06/06/2011 @ http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/110506.htm&word=brucella%2covis