An investigation of perinatal mortality in sheep and goats in nine governorates of Jordan was conducted from May to September 2001. Information from farmers was recorded on questionnaires at the time of farm visits. A total of 305 sheep breeders and 126 goat breeders were interviewed. Perinatal mortality in goats (13%) was almost double that in sheep (7.5%). The majority of abortions occurred in November, December and January and perinatal mortality varied between governorates. The overall kidding rate was higher than lambing rate, probably due to genetic factors. The barren rate in sheep was comparable to that in goats. Neonatal lamb losses were 4.5%, whereas neonatal kid mortality was 8.5%. It appeared that the Jordanian farmers were aware of some of the important causes of perinatal mortality but they did not know how to prevent them.

Key words: Perinatal mortality, small ruminants, epidemiology, Jordan.