Co-Infection of <i>L. monocytogenes</i> and <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> in a Sheep Flock Causing Abortion and Lamb Deaths

Abstract

Abortion in livestock is a public health burden, and the cause of economic losses for farmers. Abortion can be multifactorial, and a deep diagnostic investigation is important to reduce the spread of zoonotic disease and public health prevention. In our study, a multidisciplinary investigation was conducted to address the cause of increased abortion and lamb mortality on a farm, which detected a co-infection of Listeria monocytogenes and Toxoplasma gondii. Hence, it was possible to conclude that this was the reason for a reduced flock health status and the cause of an increased abortion rate. Furthermore, the investigation work and identification of the L. monocytogenes infection root allowed the reduction of economic loss.

Keywords

• <i>L. monocytogenes</i>
• <i>T. gondii</i>
• abortion
• sheep