The present study was conducted on 451 sheep and 5 goats aged from 2 to 5 years in a total of 27 flocks in Elazığ city center and Palu, Karakoçan vicinity in the gestation periods between 1994-1995 and 1995-1996.

It was found that abortions started in the first two and half months of pregnancy, 1-6 abortion cases took place every day. Premature dead parturitions and retentio secundinarum were found. Autolysis was observed in abortions in the first three and half months of pregnancy whereas no autolysis was noticed in abortions in late pregnancies. In examination of aborted sheep, they were found to be alive, cooperative and with a normal apetite.

Serological analysis of blood samples obtained from aborted and nonaborted sheep were carried out by indirect fluorescense tecnique using Ricketsilam C. Burneti antigen.

Seropositive results were obtained in 22 flocks (out of 27), 69 pregnant sheep (out of 208), 3 pregnant goats (out of 5) (the overal proportion in pregnants was 33.80%), 65 aborted sheep (out of 243) (26.75%), in a total 137 sheep and goats (out of 451 sheep and 5 goats) (30%).

A total of 400 mg oxytetracycline was used for the treatment of the disease and no abortion was observed following the 6th day of the administration.

In conclusion, it is thought that these abortions may be due to Q fever because of the determination of antibodies to C. burnetii in aborted sheep and goats.