What is CCPP in goats?
Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is one of the most severe respiratory diseases affecting goats, particularly in Africa and Asia. It can spread rapidly through herds and cause up to 100% mortality if not caught early.
Let’s break it down in student-friendly terms for veterinary exams and real-world field practice.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Causative Agent | Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) |
| Morbidity | 100% |
| Mortality | 60–100% |
| Transmission | Aerosol, direct contact |
| Diagnosis | Clinical signs, PM lesions, PCR, serology |
| Treatment | Tylosin, Tiamulin, OTC |
| Vaccine Available? | ✅ Yes, with 6-month revaccination |
What causes CCPP?
It’s caused by a tricky bacterium called Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae (also called Mycoplasma F38 biotype). Unlike many pathogens, this one lacks a cell wall, which makes it difficult to treat with common antibiotics.
Is CCPP found in Nepal?
📌 No confirmed reports from Nepal (OIE, 2009), but it exists in India and Pakistan, so awareness is essential for Nepali vets and students.
It’s endemic in parts of Africa and the Middle East, with cases also popping up in Europe (Turkey, 2004).
How does CCPP spread?
CCPP spreads through the air when goats cough or sneeze. Infected animals release aerosols containing the bacteria. Goats in close contact are most at risk.
Tip: Even healthy-looking goats can be carriers, silently spreading the disease.
What happens inside the goat’s body?
- The goat inhales droplets carrying Mycoplasma.
- Bacteria enter the lungs → cause bronchiolar inflammation.
- This leads to pleural effusion, lung necrosis & eventual oxygen starvation.
The result? The goat can die from severe respiratory distress within a few days.
Symptoms of CCPP (Must-know for exams!)
📌 Peracute Form:
- Sudden death in 1–3 days
- Minimal signs
📌 Acute Form:
- High fever (41–43°C)
- Violent cough, labored breathing
- Saliva dripping from mouth
- Neck stretched out due to breathing difficulty
- Frothy nasal discharge
📌 Chronic Form:
- Ongoing cough
- Weight loss
- Recurrent nasal discharge
Pregnant goats may abort, and survivors are usually debilitated.
Diagnostic Tools
✅ Clinical signs + PM lesions
✅ Blood profile: ↓RBC, ↑glucose, ↑urea
✅ Lab Tests:
- PCR (gold standard)
- Complement fixation
- Immunofluorescence
- Hemagglutination
Diseases that look like CCPP (Differentials)
- Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) – Affects sheep too.
- Pasteurellosis – Look at lung lesion distribution.
- MAKEPS Syndrome – Involves mastitis, arthritis, keratitis + pneumonia.
CCPP Treatment Options
If caught early, antibiotics can help. Delayed treatment often fails.
| Drug | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Tylosin | 40 mg/kg IM for 5 days |
| Tiamulin | 36 mg/kg for 5 days |
| OTC | 5–10 mg/kg IM/slow IV |
| Cotrimoxazole + Tylosin | Combo therapy |
| Dihydrostreptomycin | 30–40 mg/kg (single dose) |
💡 Note: Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall → Penicillins don’t work!
Prevention and Control
- ✅ Vaccination: Live M. caprae culture (0.2 ml at ear tip)
- 🔁 Repeat every 6 months
- 🚫 Isolate infected animals
- 💨 Ensure proper ventilation in goat sheds
Revision Flash
👉 CCPP = High mortality + only respiratory signs
👉 Mycoplasma = No cell wall = No penicillin!
👉 Vaccine exists – use it in high-risk zones
Final Thoughts
In practice, CCPP is one of those diseases that hits fast and hard. As a vet student or future animal health officer, being able to spot early signs and act quickly could save entire herds.
Want more case-based discussions or flashcards on goat diseases? Feel free to enroll in this course: https://www.pedigogy.com/courses/learn-animal-diseases-with-rahul/
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