Volume 16, Issue 1: 2026 - Article 220

Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is increasingly being recognized as an emerging abortifacient pathogen in small ruminants, contributing to reproduction losses, reduced flock/herd productivity and significant economic strain in resource-limited production systems. The present review synthesized current information on the pathophysiology of C. jejuni-induced abortions, emerging hyper-virulent abortifacient C. jejuni strains infecting small ruminants, the transmission dynamics, differential diagnosis and comparison of abortifacient pathogens in small ruminants, clinical impacts, economic, food security, zoonotic and public health significance of C. jejuni infections, and the prevention and control strategies for C. jejuni-associated abortions in sheep and goats. It highlights the One Health relevance of C. jejuni-induced abortions in small ruminants and underscores the importance of accurate differential diagnosis, strengthened surveillance and early detection to distinguish C. jejuni from other abortifacient pathogens. Actionable control measures include improved farm biosecurity, sanitation of water and feed sources, strategic isolation of aborting dams, screening of breeding males and proper disposal of aborted foetuses and after-birth materials. Integration of veterinary services with public health awareness will minimize zoonotic risks associated with contaminated environments and animal products. Strengthening herd health management, environmental hygiene and coordinated One Health interventions offers a practical pathway to mitigating reproduction losses and improving resilience in small ruminant production systems.

Keywords: Small ruminants (sheep and goats); Campylobacter jejuni; Abortion; Reproduction losses; Placental infection.

How to cite this article:
Njoga UJ and Njoga EO (2026). Campylobacter jejuni as an emerging abortifacient pathogen in small ruminants: Pathophysiology, placental tropism, economic, zoonotic and One Health implications, prevention and control – A review. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 16(1): 1366 – 1383.

*Correspondence: E-mail:     ugochinyere.njoga@unn.edu.ng     Phone: +2347035386831

Campylobacter jejuni as an emerging abortifacient pathogen in small ruminants: Pathophysiology, placental tropism, economic, zoonotic and One Health implications, prevention and control – A review

Ugochinyere J. Njoga ¹ * and Emmanuel O. Njoga ^2
1 Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria.

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