Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 71-77

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200776010071

Detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Jordanian Sheep and Goat Herds

D. Zendulková, A. Madanat, P. Lány, K. Rosenbergová, Z. Pospíšil

Department of Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic

Received March 23, 2006
Accepted November 29, 2006

The aim of the study was to ascertain whether sheep and goats from selected Jordanian herds were infected with Mycoplasma agalactiae, the most common aetiological agent of contagious agalactia of sheep and goats. All examined animals showed clinical signs of disease at the time of sample collection. The group included 35 animals, 15 sheep and 20 goats. For microbiological examination, a total of 107 swabs were taken from conjunctival, nasal, vaginal or preputial mucosae and from the external auditory canal. Identification of the species isolated was carried out by a polymerase chain reaction. Of the 35 animals, 21 (4 sheep and 17 goats) tested positive for Mycoplasma agalactiae. These results confirmed our assumption that this mycoplasma species is present in Jordanian herds and, for the first time, provided evidence that contagious agalactia of sheep and goats occurs in Jordan.