ICVA Small Ruminant Herd Health 5

Question 1

Which reproductive pathogen causes 'chlamydiosis' and is a major cause of abortion in sheep in the US, particularly in the western states?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia abortus

Answer

Chlamydia abortus (formerly Chlamydophila abortus) causes enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE), a leading infectious cause of ovine abortion in the US.

Question 2

A goat kid born in kidding season presents with fibrinous polyarthritis and keratoconjunctivitis. Culture reveals gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma agalactiae

Answer

Mycoplasma agalactiae is the primary cause of contagious agalactia in goats and sheep, manifesting as arthritis, mastitis, and keratoconjunctivitis (the 'MAK' syndrome).

Question 3

The estimated prevalence of a disease in a closed flock increases from 5% to 15% over one year. Which epidemiological term best describes this change?

Accepted Answer

Incidence rate

Answer

The number of new cases occurring in a defined population over a specific time period is the incidence rate, which reflects transmission dynamics within the flock.

Question 4

Which body condition score (BCS) system is most commonly used for sheep in the US, and at what scale?

Accepted Answer

1–5 scale with 0.5 increments

Answer

The standard BCS system for sheep in the US uses a 1–5 scale assessed by palpation of the lumbar vertebrae and back muscle/fat cover.

Question 5

Which practice most effectively reduces the transmission of caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) virus from does to kids?

Accepted Answer

Pasteurizing or heat-treating colostrum before feeding

Answer

CAE virus is primarily transmitted via colostrum and milk; heat-treating or pasteurizing colostrum (56°C for 1 hour) before feeding effectively prevents vertical transmission.

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

ICVA Small Ruminant Herd Health 5