Bovine Pleuropneumonia Research Articles

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: A Review

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a bacterial disease, the causative agent of which is Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides. The CBPP disease is one of important disease to be given attention because it is causing heavy mortality in bovines all over the world with African continent being hardly hit due to vagaries of bacteria. Air droplets is primary source of infection. Colonization in lower respiratory tract, Mmm invades arteries cause vasculitis. Many pathways of Mmm organism to cause destruction in host animal, presence of Gts ABC is one such mechanism. In CBPP we see pulmonary sequestra in chronic cases, severe fibrinous bronchopneumonia and pleural effusion during the acute to subacute phases. For confirmatory diagnosis, laboratory investigation and use of molecular techniques is recommended. Isolation of causative agent is also optimal method for diagnosis. The use of danofloxacin, tetracycline, flufenicol etc have been documented with varying degree of efficiency. Control over movement of bovine species, adequate space (where droplet spread is prevented) for each animal and vaccination are recommendatory steps. Though India has been declared CBPP free in 2007 we still need cautious approach and continue surveillance because north east of India seems very vulnerable to CBPP. Also, the fact that animal husbandry and agriculture drive economy of some of our most populous states it is all the more important that we give due consideration and focus on CBPP.

Clinicopathological Manifestations of Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia in a Herd of Sokoto Gudali Heifers

Contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) is an endemic disease in Nigeria, mostly affecting cattle. Despite the endemic status of CBPP in Nigeria, there is a dearth of information on the clinicopathological manifestations of the disease in Sokoto Gudali breed of cattle, hence the need to highlight our findings in this report. The carcass of 11-month-old Sokoto Gudali heifer was presented for necropsy with a history of respiratory distress amongst the herd. A detailed postmortem examination was conducted, and representative tissue sections collected for histopathologic tissue processing. Swabs of the lung tissue and pleural effusion were also collected for bacteriology. A farm visit to assess and manage the disease within the herd was also carried out. Nasal swabs and blood samples were also collected for bacteriological and haematological analyses. Necropsy revealed marked fibrinous effusion in the pleural cavity, fibrinous consolidation of the left lung, and chronic pneumonia of the right lung. Clinical observations of the herd made on farm visit included emaciation, cough, nasal discharge, anorexia and fever in some of the heifers. Haematological analysis of the blood samples revealed anaemia and leukopenia due to neutropenia. Histopathological analysis of samples from the left lung revealed acute fibrinous pleuro-pneumonia whereas analysis of the right lung revealed chronic interstitial pneumonia. Microbial culture of the pleural effusion and nasal swab yielded growths of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) colonies. Consequently, the sick heifers were culled while others were treated with enrofloxacin and tetracycline injections. The burden of CBPP in cattle in Nigeria is enormous and discourages investments in the livestock sector thereby thwarting efforts to meet the protein requirements of the growing population.

Seroepidemiological survey of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia among cattle in El Jazeera State (Central Sudan)

BackgroundContagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an economically important infectious disease that is characterized by a variable course and insidious nature. A cross-sectional study was conducted in El Jazeera State, Central Sudan, to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of CBPP in cattle from seven localities. A total of 218 serum samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy cattle aged older than 6 months between April and May 2021 and were tested serologically using a commercial ELISA kit.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of CBPP was 50.5% (110/218). Univariate analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between sex, locality and water source and seropositivity to CBPP. Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factors (sex, locality and water source) were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). At herd level, out of 20 herds 16 (80%) proved to be positive for CBPP antibodies. It is apparent from the present study that CBPP infection is prevalent among cattle in El Jazeera State, Central Sudan.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first seroepidemiological study on CBPP infection in Central Sudan. The authors recommend major awareness both in the production area and quarantine centers, as CBPP may result in restrictions on the international trade of animals and animal products.

Development and Evaluation of Monoclonal Antibodies against CBPP Antigen with the End Goal of Developing an ELISA Kit.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and contagious bacterial respiratory disease that affects cattle with significant economic losses to the African animal industry. The use of ELISA kits based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) will aid in quick and precise diagnosis of CBPP, contributing to disease control and prevention in cattle. Thus, this research aims to develop and evaluate monoclonal antibodies against CBPP (T1/44) antigen for use in ELISA kits for CBPP diagnosis. Hybridoma technology was used to develop monoclonal antibodies that recognize and bind to the CBPP (T1/44) antigen. The antibody-secreting hybridomas were produced after immunizing mice with purified CBPP antigens. The hybridomas were screened for high sensitivity, specificity, and liking to the antigen. The selected mAbs were assessed for sensitivity and specificity against CBPP antigen using different immunoassays, dot-blot, ELISA, and mouse mAb isotyping. The monoclonal antibodies were profoundly specific, with a higher hindrance to CBPP antigen (<0.50 OD) while lacking cross-reactivity to other antigens. The monoclonal antibodies could distinguish CBPP antigen at low concentrations, showing their high sensitivity (>80% PI). The isotyped mAbs of intrigued appeared to have a place in the IgG class. These identified monoclonal antibodies can be utilized to develop an ELISA kit for CBPP diagnosis, which would give a fast, precise, and cost-effective strategy for screening and checking CBPP in cattle herds.

A candidate competitive ELISA based on monoclonal antibody 3A8 for diagnosis of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

For the development of a competitive ELISA (cELISA) to detect serum antibodies against the Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides (Mmm) (strain PG1), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), all the proteins of this pathogen were analyzed. Then, a specific extracellular region of a transmembrane protein with the potential for diagnosis was identified. After that, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) named 3A8 was obtained using this extracellular region as an immunogen. Finally, a cELISA was established with the extracellular domain of this transmembrane protein as the coating antigen, Mab 3A8 as the competitive antibody, and HRP-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG as the enzyme-labeled antibody. This established method was used to detect the antibody dynamic regularity of goats which are artificially immunized Mmm and was also compared with a commercial ELISA kit. Further, the sera of 1011 different cattle from border provinces of China were monitored using a candidate Mab 3A8 cELISA. The detection results of known background sera used in this study indicate that a candidate diagnostic marker was successfully identified by analyzing all the coding proteins of Mmm in this research, and the cELISA established based on the Mab 3A8 against this protein can detect CBPP-positive serum with specificity and has no cross-reaction with other related epidemic disease-positive sera. In addition, we tested the sera collected from the border areas of China using the established ELISA, and no positive sample was detected. The research protocol of the CBPP cELISA established in this study is different from the traditional method, which can greatly reduce the investment of manpower and capital and save development time. We believe that this study’s protocol could serve as a reference for the development of detection methods for mycoplasma and other complex pathogens.Key points• A Mmm-specific diagnostic marker was obtained based on protein characteristics.• A cELISA was established for CBPP serum antibody detection.• The serological investigation was conducted for CBPP in the border areas of China.

Evaluation of a Combined Live Attenuated Vaccine against Lumpy Skin Disease, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Rift Valley Fever.

The use of effective vaccines is among the most important strategies for the prevention and progressive control of transboundary infectious animal diseases. However, the use of vaccine is often impeded by the cost, a lack of cold chains and other factors. In resource-limited countries in Africa, one approach to improve coverage and reduce cost is to vaccinate against multiple diseases using combined vaccines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate a combined vaccine for the prevention and control of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Rift Valley fever (RVF). The LSD and CBPP were formulated as a combined vaccine, and the RVF was formulated separately as live attenuated vaccines. These consisted of a Mycoplasma MmmSC T1/44 strain that was propagated in Hayflick-modified medium, RVF virus vaccine, C13T strain prepared in African green monkey cells (Vero), and the LSDV Neethling vaccine strain prepared in primary testis cells. The vaccines were tested for safety via the subcutaneous route in both young calves and pregnant heifers with no side effect, abortion or teratogenicity. The vaccination of calves induced seroconversions for all three vaccines starting from day 7 post-vaccination (PV), with rates of 50% for LSD, 70% for CBPP and 100% for RVF, or rates similar to those obtained with monovalent vaccines. The challenge of cattle vaccinated with the LSD/CBPP and the RVF vaccine afforded full protection against virulent strains of LSDV and RVFV. A satisfactory level of protection against a CBPP challenge was observed, with 50% of protection at 6 months and 81% at 13 months PV. A mass vaccination trial was performed in four regions of Burkina Faso that confirmed safety and specific antibody responses induced by the vaccines. The multivalent LSD/CBPP+RVF vaccine provides a novel and beneficial approach to the control of the three diseases through one intervention and, therefore, reduces the cost and improves vaccination coverage.

Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle from Karamoja region, North-eastern Uganda

BackgroundContagious bovine pleuropneumonia [CBPP] is a transboundary animal disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm]. CBPP causes severe economic losses to livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa mainly due to high mortality, morbidity, reduction in productivity as well as livestock trade restrictions. This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of Mmm in cattle from Karamoja region, north-eastern Uganda; data that are required to design and implement risk based CBPP control program.MethodsWe randomly collected blood samples from 2,300 cattle spread across Karamoja region. Serum was extracted and screened for antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm] using the competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [cELISA].ResultsA quarter [25.4%; 95% CI: 23.7–27.3] of the screened cattle [n = 2,300] were sero-positive for Mmm. Amudat and Kaabong districts recorded the lowest [12.3%] and highest [30.7%] Mmm seroprevalence respectively. Increasing age, overnight stay in cattle kraals and location [certain districts, villages, herds and sub counties] of the cattle herds, the factors that promote animal commingling, were the most significant risk factors of seroconversion with Mmm.ConclusionResults from this study indicated a higher seroprevalence of Mmm in Karamoja region cattle herds. This could be due to the increased frequency of CBPP outbreaks in recent years. To be effective, CBPP vaccination programs should target high risk herds along the international borders and other hotspot areas [e.g., parishes or sub counties] where cattle commingling is high.

Preserving Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) along the Transhumance Routes in Southwestern Angola: Synergies between International Cooperation and Academic Research.

This study delves into the ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) practiced by pastoralists along the transhumance routes in southwestern Angola. Within the framework of three cooperation projects, we conducted 434 interviews, collecting information on 89 taxa used for treating 16 livestock diseases. The most cited species was Ptaeroxylon obliquum (132 citations), followed by Salvadora persica (59) and Elaeodendron transvaalense (49). Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) was the disease most cited (223 citations; 44 species), followed by wounds (95; 20) and Newcastle (86; 14). We found that 30 species and 48 uses have not been previously reported in the ethnoveterinary literature. Jaccard index (mean value = 0.13) showed a greatly diversified knowledge among the ethnic groups: Kuvale and Nyaneka were the most knowledgeable and should be included in the various strategies for disseminating EVM in the area. Most informants recognized that abundance of some species decreased in the last years as a result of human activities and climatic changes. Finally, we discuss challenges in preserving the EVM in the area. Our findings suggest that preservation of the EVM in southwestern Angola is widely impacted by the access to biomedicine. Future studies should investigate the opportunity to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream development projects, which is crucial for decolonizing the veterinary sector in Angola.

Sero-Prevalence and Risk factors of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Afgoye District Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

Sero-Prevalence and Risk factors of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Afgoye District Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Secretory Proteins of Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Investigates Virulence and Discovers Important Diagnostic Biomarkers.

The most important pathogenic Mycoplasma species in bovines are Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). Mmm causes contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which is a severe respiratory disease widespread in sub-Saharan Africa but eradicated in several countries, including China. M. bovis is an important cause of the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD), characterized worldwide by pneumonia, arthritis, and mastitis. Secreted proteins of bacteria are generally considered virulence factors because they can act as toxins, adhesins, and virulent enzymes in infection. Therefore, this study performed a comparative proteomic analysis of the secreted proteins of M. bovis and Mmm in order to find some virulence-related factors as well as discover differential diagnostic biomarkers for these bovine mycoplasmas. The secretome was extracted from both species, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used, which revealed 55 unique secreted proteins of M. bovis, 44 unique secreted proteins of Mmm, and 4 homologous proteins. In the M. bovis secretome, 19 proteins were predicted to be virulence factors, while 4 putative virulence factors were identified in the Mmm secretome. In addition, five unique secreted proteins of Mmm were expressed and purified, and their antigenicity was confirmed by Western blotting assay and indirect ELISA. Among them, Ts1133 and Ts0085 were verified as potential candidates for distinguishing Mmm infection from M. bovis infection.

Sero-prevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in dryland of Borana, southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the largest African countries where livestock farming represent a relevant resource for the economy and the livelihood of the population. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is among the transboundaries animal disease that is hindering cattle farming in Ethiopia. Due to the limited resources of veterinary services, disease control and surveillance is discontinuous and occasional field investigations of target areas contribute to depict disease spreading in the country. The study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence, at herd and animal level, and identify the risk factors involved in CBPP diffusion and persistence in the Borana pastoral zone. A total of 498 serum samples were collected from 120 cattle herds and tested using competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA). Of 120 herds sampled, 37 (30.83%; (95% CI = 22.73–39.91%) were tested positive to CBPP antibody. Out of 498 sera samples tested 46 (9.24%; 95% CI = 6.84–12.13%) were positive. The highest prevalence was observed in Teltele (12/95; 12.90%; 95% CI = 6.7–21%) followed by Yabello (12/104; 11.54%; 95% CI = 6.1–19.3%) and Arero (10/91; 10.99%; 95% CI = 95% CI = 5.4–19.3%), whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in Gomole (5/101; 6.42%; 95% CI = 1.6–11.2%) and Dubluk (7/109; 4.95%; 95% CI = 2.6–12.8%) districts and statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, age, herd movement and herd size of the animals had statistically significant effect on sero-positivity to CBPP (p < 0.05). Sex, season and body condition were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with the occurrence of CBPP. The study confirms that CBPP is persistent in the territory and remain as a major problem that affects health and productivity of cattle. Therefore, awareness creation to the pastoralists in the study area about the effect of CBPP and designing appropriate control methods has a paramount importance to improve the health and productivity of cattle production in the area.

Management of diseases in a ruminant livestock production system: a participatory appraisal of the performance of veterinary services delivery, and utilization in Ghana

IntroductionSustainable livestock production remains crucial for attainment of food security globally and for safeguarding the livelihoods of many households in low- and –middle income countries. However, the high prevalence of infectious livestock diseases, coupled with inadequate provision and adoption of effective control measures, leads to reduced livestock productivity, increased animal mortalities, and emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens. This study sought to assess the management strategies employed by farmers for priority diseases affecting their animals and the utilization and performance of veterinary services.MethodsWe conducted the study in three districts, namely, Mion, Pru East, and Kwahu Afram Plains South Districts, which represent the main livestock production belts in Ghana. We used questionnaires in surveys, to collect pertinent data from 350 ruminant livestock farmers and 13 professional veterinary officers (VOs) in the study districts. Additionally, we conducted seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with 65 livestock farmers in the study districts. The survey data was analyzed, and we describe the distribution of the priority livestock diseases, the disease management strategies employed, and the performance of veterinary services in Ghana. We also analyzed the raw FGD transcript texts deductively based on the study objectives. To validate findings across the different datasets, we used triangulation.ResultsAlmost all the farmers (98%) reared small ruminants, with about 25% also rearing cattle. The main priority livestock diseases identified includes pestes-des-petits-ruminants and mange infection in sheep and goats, as well as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and foot-and-mouth-disease in cattle. We found that majority (82%) of the farmers relied on treatment, while only 20% opted for vaccination services. Additionally, the veterinary system in Ghana did not adequately regulate the antimicrobial medications employed by farmers to manage diseases. Thus, in most of the cases, the medicines applied by farmers were not useful for the target diseases. Although our findings show the farmers perceived VOs to perform highly compared to informal providers on most of the attributes evaluated including medicine availability and quality, treatment effectiveness, advisory services, service affordability, and competence, only 33% utilized VOs services. The majority of the farmers (51%) used the services of informal providers, who were better in proximity and popularity with farmers.ConclusionsThe livestock sector in Ghana faces a substantial challenge due primarily to vaccine-preventable diseases. Even though VOs demonstrated superior performance on key veterinary service performance indicators, their services are underutilized by livestock farmers. Additionally, the absence of regulatory oversight by the veterinary system over antimicrobials utilized in animal production contributes to their misapplication by livestock farmers, posing a considerable risk to both public health and food security. It is thus imperative to introduce new initiatives that enhance the uptake of animal vaccines and better antimicrobial stewardship to ensure sustainable livestock production.

Farmers' valuation and willingness to pay for vaccines to protect livestock resources against priority infectious diseases in Ghana.

Livestock vaccination coverage rates remain low in many lower and middle income countries despite effective vaccines being commonly available. Consequently, many preventable infectious livestock diseases remain highly prevalent, causing significant animal mortalities and threatening farmers' livelihood and food security. This study sought to assess farmers' maximum willingness to pay (WTP) for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) vaccination of cattle, and sheep and goats, respectively. Overall, 350 ruminant livestock farmers were randomly selected from three districts located in the northern, middle and southern farming belts of Ghana. We implemented a double-bounded dichotomous contingent valuation experiment, where farmers indicated their WTP for vaccinating each livestock specie(s) owned at randomly assigned price points. WTP responses were analyzed using maximum likelihood estimation, and factors influencing WTP were assessed using censored regression analysis accounting for village-level clustering. Mean WTP for CBPP vaccination was USD 1.43 or Ghanaian Cedi (GHC) 8.63 (95% CI: GHC 7.08-GHC 10.19) per cattle. Mean WTP for PPR vaccination was USD 1.17 or GHC 7.02 (95% CI: GHC 5.99-GHC 8.05) per sheep, and USD 1.1 or GHC 6.66 (95% CI: GHC 5.89-GHC 7.44) per goat. WTP was positively associated with resilience, limited knowledge about vaccines (assessed prior to WTP experiment), farmland size, and male gender, after adjusting for other covariates. To attain 70% vaccination coverage in Ghana, vaccination costs should be no larger than GHC 5.30 (USD 0.88) for CBPP per cattle and GHC 3.89 (USD 0.65) and GHC 3.67 (USD 0.61), respectively, for PPR vaccines per sheep and goat. Ruminant livestock farmers in Ghana value vaccination highly, and are, on average, willing to pay vaccination costs that exceed the prevailing market prices (GHC 6 for CBPP and GHC 5 for PPR vaccination) to protect their livestock resources. To achieve 70% coverage, only minor subsidies would likely be required. These results suggest that effective disease control in these settings should be possible with appropriate distribution strategies.

Biosecurity and Economic Impact of Major Diseases of Livestock Among Rural Farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria: A Pilot Study.

To maintain excellent production on a farm, biosecurity is critical. Smallholder livestock producers and their animal health management practices are often perceived to increase the risk for disease incursion and spread within farms. This pilot study is aimed at assessing rural farmers’ practices and knowledge of preventive and biosecurity measures against major diseases of livestock and determining the socioeconomic impact of these diseases in these communities within Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, Nigeria. 3 major communities that rear poultry, small and large ruminants within these 5 LGAs were identified as the Berom, Tarok, and Fulani communities; from where 50 farmers were randomly selected from the list of willing farmers to participate in the present study. The farmers identified Contagious Bovine Pleuron Pneumonia and Foot and Mouth Disease as the major disease of cattle while Peste des Petits Ruminants as the major disease of small ruminants and New Castle Disease for poultry. Contagious Bovine Pleuron Pneumonia, Foot and Mouth Disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants, and New Castle Disease are the diseases identified by respondents as the most economically important disease in cattle, small ruminants, and poultry respectively. 30% of the farmers do nothing in case of a Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia outbreak while 60% protect their animals through medication or isolation in case of Foot and Mouth Disease. 26% of the farmers sell out their animals in the Peste des Petits Ruminants outbreak while 50% of the respondents do nothing in case of a New Castle Disease outbreak. It is recommended that a robust and sustained awareness of the economic importance of livestock diseases, and a campaign on how to prevent, control, and institute effective biosecurity measures against the diseases are carried out in Plateau State farming communities and beyond.

Prioritization of livestock diseases by pastoralists in Oloitoktok Sub County, Kajiado County, Kenya.

Livestock diseases are a big challenge for the livelihood of pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa because they reduce livestock productivity and increase mortality. Based on the literature available there is limited understanding on how pastoralists prioritize these diseases in the context of their culture, ecosystems and livelihoods. A study was conducted to provide insights on lay prioritization of animal diseases by pastoralists in Kenya. A qualitative study was undertaken between March and July 2021. Thirty in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with community members to explore community attitudes on livestock diseases prioritization. Male and female livestock keepers were purposively selected and interviewed and they were all long-term residents of the area. Fourteen key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with professionals from different key sectors to provide detailed stakeholder perspectives on livestock diseases. The interviews were analyzed thematically using the QSR Nvivo software to identify the emerging themes related to the study objectives. The pastoralists prioritized livestock diseases based on effect on their economic wellbeing, cultural values and utilization of ecosystem services. There were gender variabilities in how diseases were prioritized among the pastoralists. Men cited high priority diseases as foot and mouth disease and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia due to their regular occurrence and effect on livelihood. Notably, women regarded coenuruses as very important because it affected sheep and goats with a high mortality rate and lumpy skin disease because it rendered the meat from the carcasses inedible. Malignant catarrhal fever and trypanosomiasis were noted as some of the common diseases in the livestock-wildlife interface but not cited as priority diseases. Challenges related to disease control in pastoralist contexts exist including limited access to livestock treatment services, inadequate information on disease impact and complex environmental factors. This study sheds light on the body of knowledge in Kenya regarding livestock diseases and their prioritization by livestock keepers. This could aid in the development of a common disease control framework and prioritization at the local level which would take into consideration the dynamic socio-cultural, ecological, livelihood and economic contexts of the communities.

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: A Passage to India.

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) emerged first in Europe and then spread to Eastern Asia, including Japan and China, from the Northern Territories of Australia at the end of the 19th century. Its route to India, however, is less well known as there is little evidence for large importations of cattle from Australia. The lack of accurate diagnostic tests at this time meant veterinary authorities relied solely on clinical and pathological signs, many of which were non-specific. Consequently, any diagnoses of CBPP reported in the early 20th century must be viewed with caution. More convincing reports of CBPP confirmed by laboratory tests were made in the 1930s and 1940s in the Indian state of Assam. Eradication campaigns began in the 1940s with immunizations of live attenuated vaccines and then more comprehensively in the 1950s and 1960s, supplemented with serological screening and the establishment of quarantine centres at international borders. The last case of CBPP, reported to WOAH, was seen in 1990, but the launch of a new awareness campaign in Assam in 2002 and recent reports of the disease in Pakistan suggests the disease has persisted in the Indian subcontinent well into the 21st century.

The Influence of Communication Messages on Adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Pastoralists in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose was to establish influence of communication messages on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya. Messages were studied under parameters of inoculation site, benefits, required frequency of vaccination and side effects. The focus on the vaccine messaging was informed by the slow pace of adoption of live T1 vaccines currently being used to eradicate CBPP in Kenya. Diffusion of innovation and social learning theories were used to support the study.&#x0D; Methodology: Study population were pastoralists in Narok South Sub County. 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews participated. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyze data, which was presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA.&#x0D; Findings: CBPP messaging influenced respondents to vaccinate although some had more influence than others. Messages on inoculation site, benefits, required frequency of vaccination side effects and communal vaccinations were important for the survival of their cattle and significantly influenced the decisions of respondents to vaccinate against the disease. Moreover, messages helped them to know important information details such as vaccination venues, and costs of vaccination and availability of the veterinary officers. CBPP vaccine messages attributes were key in the success of influencing respondents. However, the messaging ran into already held misinformation by some pastoralists confirming earlier study that vaccination rate was at 20-60% because some skipped the exercise.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: CBPP vaccine messages and attributes significantly influenced CBPP vaccinations decisions among pastoralists. This study validated diffusion of innovation and social learning theories that innovation-decision process is essentially an information seeking and processing activity in which an individual is motivated to reduce uncertainty about the advantages and disadvantages of the innovation. For policy and practice, this study recommends development of communication plans, and packaging of CBPP vaccine messages for dissemination in the ASALs where disease is prevalent. Considering that CBPP is a trans-boundary disease, these plans and messages could be harmonized across ASAL counties to enable consistency and coherence.

Access to vaccination services for priority ruminant livestock diseases in Ghana: Barriers and determinants of service utilization by farmers

IntroductionLivestock diseases are a major constraint to agricultural productivity, frequently causing significant livelihood losses for farmers, and negatively affecting public food safety and security. Vaccines provide an effective and profitable means for controlling most infectious livestock diseases, but remain underutilized. This study sought to assess the barriers and determinants of vaccination utilization for priority livestock diseases in Ghana. MethodsWe conducted a mixed-method study involving a quantitative survey with ruminant livestock farmers (N = 350) and seven focus group discussions (FGD) involving 65 ruminant livestock farmers. The survey data were analyzed, and distribution of barriers to vaccination access described. We evaluated the determinants of vaccination utilization (any use of vaccination against contagious-bovine-pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) in 2021) using logistic regression analyses at the 0.05 significance level. FGD transcripts were analyzed deductively. We used triangulation to achieve convergence across the different datasets and analyses. ResultsThe farmers kept an average (median) of 5 tropical livestock units (TLUs) of ruminant livestock (IQR=2.6–12.0) that were on average 8 kilometers (IQR=1.9–12.4) away from veterinary officers (VOs). Only 16% (56/350) of herds were vaccinated against the diseases. Most farmers (274/350) had limited knowledge on vaccines against CBPP and PPR infections, 63% (222/350) perceived low risk of these diseases to their herds. About half of farmers reported experiencing outbreaks of either disease in the study year (2021). Farmers scored on average 80.5 out of 98 (IQR=74–85) on the RS-14 resilience scale. After adjusting for farmers’ livestock rearing experience, herd size, sex, wealth status, distance to VOs, previous disease outbreaks, and perceived risk of the diseases, vaccination utilization was negatively associated with limited knowledge (aOR=0.19, 95%CI=0.08–0.43), and positively associated with personal exposure to outbreaks in the study year (aOR=5.26, 95%CI=2.01–13.7) and increasing resilience (aOR=1.13, 95%CI=1.07–1.19). FGDs revealed farmer misconceptions about vaccines, costs of vaccines, and timely access to vaccines from VOs as additional barriers. ConclusionsAcceptability, affordability, accessibility, and availability of vaccine services represent the main barriers to vaccines utilization by ruminant livestock farmers in Ghana. Given that limited knowledge regarding the value of vaccination and shortfalls in veterinary service supply are of central importance for both the demand and supply side, more collaboration between the different stakeholders in a transdisciplinary manner to effectively address the low vaccination utilization problem is needed.

Pre-slaughter, slaughter and post-slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers in Southeast, Nigeria: Animal welfare, meat quality, food safety and public health implications.

Pre-slaughter stress or the welfare condition of food-producing animals (FPAs) and the slaughter practices of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) are critically important for the safety and quality of meats processed in slaughterhouses (SHs). Consequently, this study determined the pre-slaughter, slaughter, and post-slaughter (PSP) practices of SHWsin four SHs in Southeast, Nigeria; and discussed the impacts on meat quality and safety. The PSP practices were determined by observation method. Additionally, a structured and validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge of the SHWs on: the effects of poor welfare (preslaughter stress) on the quality and safety of meats produced, carcass/meat processing practices and modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during carcass/meat processing. Finally, a systematic post-mortem inspection (PMI) was conducted on cattle, pigs and goats slaughtered, and economic losses accruable from condemned carcasses/meats were estimated. Food-producing animals were transported to the SHs or held in the lairage under inhumane conditions. A pig being conveyed to one of the SHs was seen gasping for air, as it was firmly tied on motorbike at the thoracic and abdominal regions. Fatigued cattle were forcefully dragged on the ground from the lairage to the killing floor. Cattle for slaughter were restrained, held in lateral recumbency and left groaning, due to extreme discomfort, for about one hour before slaughter. Stunning was not performed. Singed pig carcasses were dragged on the ground to the washing point. Although more than 50% of the respondents knew the modes of transmission of meat-borne zoonotic pathogens during meat processing, 71.3% of the SHWs processed carcasses on bare floor, 52.2% used same bowl of water to wash multiple carcasses while 72% did not wear personal protective equipment during meat/carcass processing. Processed meats were transported to meat shops in an unsanitary conditions, using open vans and tricycles. During the PMI, diseased carcasses/meats/organs were detected in 5.7% (83/1452), 2.1% (21/1006) and 0.8% (7/924) of the cattle, pig and goat carcasses inspected, respectively. Gross lesions pathognomonic of bovine tuberculosis, contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia, fascioliasis and porcine cysticercosis were detected. Consequently, 391,089.2 kg of diseased meat/organs valued at 978 million Naira (235, 030 USD) were condemned. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) between educational level and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during slaughterhouse operations and knowledge that FPAs can harbour zoonotic pathogens (p = < 0.001) transmissible during carcass processing. Similarly, significant association was observed between working experience and use of PPE; and between geographical location of the respondents and knowledge that zoonotic pathogens in animals are transmissible during carcass processing or via the food chain. The findings show that slaughter practices of SHWs have detrimental impacts on the quality and safety of meats processed for human consumption in Southeast, Nigeria. These findings underscore the need to: improve the welfare condition of slaughter-animals, mechanise abattoir operations, train and retrain the SHWs on hygienic carcass/meat processing practices. There is a need to adopt strict enforcement of food safety laws to promote meat quality, food safety and consequently promote the health of the public.

The Influence of Communication Participants on Adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Pastoralists in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of communication participants on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya.&#x0D; Methodology: The study population was pastoralists in Narok South Sub-county. Sample size was 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews. Cross-sectional research design entailing collection of qualitative and quantitative data was used to assess association between variables. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Data derived from 468 respondents was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA.&#x0D; Findings: All respondents engaged in discussions with others before vaccinating cattle against CBPP. This is because as members of social groups, they interacted with each other through networks, a dominant mechanism for diffusion. Within parameters of experts, veterinary officers and agro-veterinary sales people were influential. In the community, family and neighbours were equally influential and among peers were elders and herders. These influencers were effective because of their attributes and social qualities; trustworthiness and credibility, accessibility, knowledgeability, government authority, advised on many issues, related easily with others and were friendly.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Some people have influence over others in CBPP vaccine adoption among ASAL pastoralists. Governments, veterinary researchers, and communication experts need to leverage on them to encourage diffuse of the vaccine. These influencers could also be trained on some basic aspects of disease reporting, control and eradication.