The economic and public health impact of cause of abortion remains of concern in developing countries. Abortion can generally cause significant loss of productivity through death and expulsion of foetus by the ewe/doe before the end of a normal term of pregnancy, affect the future fertility, lactation and flock is culled annually. Common infectious causes of abortion in small ruminant include Brucellosis, Leptospirosis, Listeriosis, Q fever, Toxoplasma gondii and Salmonella. Abortion also caused by non-infectious conditions such as hereditary factors and mechanical conditions. In general there is scarcity of published data on the status of small ruminant abortion in Ethiopia. This paper reviewed the common cause of abortion in sheep and goats, the public health significance, economic impact of abortion and status of sheep and goat abortion in Ethiopia. Risk factors for the occurrence of abortion and finally, different strategies for the control and prevention of abortion are discussed

Keywords: Causes, Abortion, Ewe, Doe, Ethiopia