When a pregnant ewe becomes infected with toxoplasmosis, she usually suffers an early abortion – it is the major cause of abortions in sheep in New Zealand. The disease is caused by a protozoan organism that is mainly a parasite of cats but also needs another species such as a sheep or mouse to complete its life cycle. This photograph shows the effect of the disease on several pairs of twin lambs – one of each pair is relatively normal and the other is smaller and mummified.
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Reference:
D. M. West, A. N. Bruere and A. L. Ridler, The sheep: health, disease & production. Palmerston North: Veterinary Continuing Education, Massey University, 2002, fig.
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