[Chlamydia infections in sheep and goats. With a reference to its significance as a zoonosis]

Infections by Chlamydia psittaci are found worldwide in many species of mammal, including man, and birds. Small ruminants are affected mainly with abortion in the later phase of gestation. Additionally pneumonia and lesions in other organs can be observed. Pathological and clinico-epidemiological aspects of the infection with C. psittaci in small ruminants are described and discussed. The description of a case of conjunctivitis acquired by one of the authors through contact with infectious material alerts to the significance of C. psittaci as an agent able to cause zoonotic infections.