Chlamydia and Chlamydophilia in bovine reproduction

Infection with chlamydial bacteria, specifically Chlamydophila pecorum, C. abortus, and C. psittaci, is common in cattle. Infection can cause different diseases of which suband infertility are the most often observed clinical manifestations. While bulls are usually carriers of chlamydia bearing the risk of being vectors for an infection of females, either through natural mating or artificial insemination, heifers and cows can suffer a multitude of genital disorders. However, chlamydiosis in cattle is generally considered a (multi)factorial disease with factors being related to the environment, confinement or climate. This contribution will briefly describe chlamydial infection in cattle with specific focus on reproduction.