DIAGNOSIS OF SALMONELLA ABORTUSOVIS IN SHEEP AND GOATS: ISOLATION PROTOCOLS, SEROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS (O/H ANTIGENS) AND COMPARATIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

The article describes a methodology for isolating and identifying Salmonella abortusovis, a pathogen causing abortions in sheep. Techniques such as selective enrichment, culturing on Endo agar and XLD media, and serological confirmation (O/H agglutination) were used, enabling the detection of this serovar in 26.7% of sheep samples, but none in goats. The results highlight the bacterium’s host specificity and its economic impact due to pregnancy losses and veterinary expenses. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and phage typing improved diagnostic accuracy, which is crucial for developing treatment and prevention strategies. Vaccination, strict control of animal husbandry conditions, and microbiological monitoring are recommended to contain the spread of infection. The absence of infection in goats suggests their resistance or differences in pathogen exposure, opening avenues for studying pathogenesis mechanisms and host adaptation. These findings will help improve outbreak management and reduce economic losses in sheep farming.