Microbial diseases of the genital system of rams or bucks

Objective of the present paper is to review microbial diseases of the genital system of male small ruminants. The paper reviews the infections and the diseases by taking an organ approach within the genital system, whilst relevant health management actions are also discussed. Diseases of the genital organs of male small ruminants include orchitis, of bacterial or viral aetiology, epididymitis, primarily caused by Brucella ovis, by other bacteria as well (e.g., Actinobacillus seminis, Haemophilus somni), infections of the accessory glands, orf, other infections of the penis or prepuce and infections of the scrotum. The health management of rams/bucks include the appropriate diagnostic investigations, the relevant therapeutic approaches and, finally, the preventive measures.