Frequency and risk factors associated with the presence of Chlamydia abortus in flocks of sheep in Mexico

This study aimed to evaluate the individual and flock serological frequency and detect the risk factors of C. abortus infection in seven Mexican sheep producing states. It was performed a multifactor, cross-sectional, and stratified study with an analysis of 5,321 serological samples from 323 flocks in 61 municipalities. Serology frequency was determined using a commercial ELISA kit. The risk factors associated with the disease were determined through surveys and statistical analyses with a squared Chi test and a 95% confidence interval. Of the 5,231 serum samples, 581 (10.92 %) had positive ELISA test results. The results, by state, of positive sera were: Tlaxcala 13.08 % (73/558); Sonora 12.45 % (102/819); Chihuahua 11.56 % (107/925); Hidalgo 11.34 % (97/855); Chiapas 10.15 % (60/591); Queretaro 9.69 % (79/815); Estado de Mexico 7.09 % (63/758). The frequency of seropositive herds was 43.34 % (140/323). The results, when grouped by state, were the following: Hidalgo 67.39 % (31/46), Queretaro 67.18 % (43/64); Sonora 40.92 % (19/47); Tlaxcala 33.33 % (12/36); Chiapas 31.57 % (12/38); Estado de Mexico 25.45 % (14/55), and Chihuahua 24.32 % (9/37). The main risk factors that favor the presence of ovine enzootic abortion are gestation, 37 to 48 mo of age, and an intensive production system. These serology studies identified the presence of ovine enzootic abortion in Mexico and some of the risk factors associated with this infection.