Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious infectious disease of goats caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides capri and Mycoplasma F38 bacteria. CCPP causes inflammation of the lungs and accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Damaged lung tissue can harden and adhere to the chest wall, which interferes with effective respiration and causes the goat to die from lack of oxygen. Mortality rates can reach 100 percent.
CCPP is spread through the inhalation of airborne droplets from coughing/sneezing animals. Direct goat-to-goat contact is necessary for the disease to spread.
Where Is the Disease Found?
CCPP is endemic to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and eastern Europe. The United States and Canada are considered free of CCPP.
Can the Disease Affect People?
CCPP is not a public health threat.
What are Signs of the Disease?
- Fever
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Frothy nasal discharge
- Stringy saliva
- Anorexia (poor appetite)
- Exercise intolerance
Can It Be Treated?
If caught early, CCPP may be treated with antibiotics. Morbidity is considered to be 100% with mortality being between 60-100%. Any goat suspected of having Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.
How Can the Disease Be Prevented?
Vaccinations for CCPP are available. Quarantine of afflicted individuals is the best form of preventing herd infection. The introduction of CCPP into the United States can be prevented by following basic biosecurity procedures including quarantine of animals of unknown health status.
Where Can I Find Additional Information?
- Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia –Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
- Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia –Iowa State University
- Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia – Merck Veterinary Manual