Control Of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Research Articles

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.

Review Onepidemiology of Contagious Bovine Pleuoro Pneumonia and Its Economic Impacts in Ethiopia

Mycoplasma Mycoides subsp. Mycoides “Small Colony” (MmmSC) causes the infectious and contagious respiratory disease known as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which has a significant negative effect on livestock output and the propensity to spread quickly. The aim of this paper is to review the epidemiology and economic impacts of CBPP in Ethiopia. Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia is an endemic disease in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula. Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia is mainly transmitted from animal to animal in respiratory aerosols. The clinical manifestations of CBPP in cattle range from hyper acute, acute, sub acute and chronic forms. Diagnosis CBPP based on a history of contact with infected animals, clinical findings, Immuno-diagnosis tests, necropsy findings and cultural examination. Thrombosis in the pulmonary arteries is a hallmark of the CBPP pathogenesis in susceptible animals. The impact that Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) can impart in an economy of a given country is so vast and tremendous that it is not advisable to overlook like any of the ordinary routine diseases of livestock that can be easily removed by treatment or self-cure. Movement control, vaccination, and treatment are essential tools in CBPP control and eradication. Regular program of mass vaccination and best treatment regime. Moreover, effective vaccination policy needs to be considered as it is the only realistic method of choice for control of CBPP in Ethiopia.

English

Control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is difficult in Nigeria due to lack of sufficient data. Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is the causative organism of CBPP. This disease is endemic in Nigeria with serious economic impact. This study was undertaken to characterize M. mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) in cattle in south-east Nigeria using single-locus sequence analysis based on polymorphism analysis of non-coding genes and also comparison of the obtained sequences with the vaccine reference strain (T1/44) that is presently used in Nigeria. Twenty one Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed Mmm isolates from Anambra and Enugu states of Nigeria were used for this study. The amplicons were amplified using one locus of the PG1 reference strain (LocPG1-0001) and sequenced using the corresponding primers. The sequences were edited using BioEdittm software and a consensus sequence obtained. Thereafter, the consensus sequence was aligned using ClustalW (BioEdittm). The consensus sequences obtained were compared with the PG1 reference strain and allele numbers were assigned based on any nucleotide changes. Three allelic numbers were obtained; Allele 1, 8 and 9.  Allele number 8 and 9 are new findings as they were not previously reported in Nigeria. Points of polymorphism were observed between the vaccine strain and the field isolates. The 21 sequences were deposited in the Genbank with the following accession numbers; MW487814-MW487834.     Key words: Alleles, multi-locus sequence analysis, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, Nigeria, polymorphism.

Present Situation of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Central African Republic

RésuméMatériel et méthodesLa situation de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine en République centrafricaine (RCA) a été analysée par une enquête sérologique sur 776 sérums, à l'aide de la technique cELISA. La prévalence de la maladie a été estimée à 12,5% quelle que soit la région.RésultatsUne différence significative a été observée entre les zébus et la race taurine, probablement associée au mode d'élevage, favorisant plus ou moins les contacts. La présence de la maladie dans les trois régions d'élevage a également été confirmée par l'isolement de souches de Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides lors de foyers de 2019. Ces souches sont toujours sensibles aux tétracyclines. Les trois souches dont le génome a été séquencé étaient strictement identiques. Replacés dans un arbre phylogénétique, ces génomes sont proches de ceux des souches isolées précédemment en RCA, ce qui montre que la maladie y est enzootique.ConclusionL'amélioration de la situation ne pourra venir que d'une modification des stratégies de lutte et d'un retour au calme sur le terrain afin de pouvoir les appliquer.

A novel MLSA allelic profile ‘A15’ of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides in Niger

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is the aetiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). The aim of the present study was to identify the profiles of the Mmm strains isolated in Niger using the ‘Multilocus Sequence Analysis’ (MLSA) typing technique based on polymorphism analysis of housekeeping and non‐coding genes. The investigation was conducted on samples (n=22) comprising of lung tissues, lymph node and pleural fluids. Following classical PCR, Mmm positive amplicons (n=6) were identified. These positive amplicons were then amplified using eight loci of the PG1 reference strain (LocPG1‐0001, Loc‐PG1‐0103, Loc‐PG1‐0287, Loc‐PG1‐0431, Loc‐PG1‐0489, Loc‐PG1‐0523, Loc‐PG1‐0710 and Loc‐PG1‐0827). Sequencing followed by the determination of the profile of each strain by the combination of the allele numbers revealed three different MLSA profiles namely; A11, E01 and A15. The profiles A11 and E01 were previously identified. The novel profile identified in this study was named profile A15. The difference was detected while comparing sequences of non‐coding loci. This novel profile was named ‘A15’ according to the similarities with African reference strain profile ‘A00’ at the seven loci level (loc‐0103, loc‐0287, loc‐0431, loc‐0489, loc‐0523, loc‐0710 and loc‐0827). For CBPP control measures, identification and molecular characterization of Mmm strains is very important. Thus, the use of MLSA technique is relevant to identify profiles of Mmm circulating in Niger. Other countries where CBPP is still endemic are encouraged to use a MLSA scheme to address this issue and, most importantly, to rapidly trace back the origin of outbreaks, which will help reduce the transmission and spread of the disease. In addition, mapping the profiles of strains circulating in each of the countries of the sub‐region is necessary for effective control of CBPP.

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: Challenges and Prospects Regarding Diagnosis and Control Strategies in Africa.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and contagious respiratory disease of cattle, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). In this review, basic epidemiological features of CBPP, complicated by existing different strains of Mycoplasmas with similar biochemical characteristics, with preference to Sub-Saharan Africa are discussed. Many sub-Saharan African countries are challenged by variable gaps that include diagnostic tools and control strategies. Science-based issues on diagnostic procedures, vaccination, treatment, and other control strategies are discussed. Participatory epidemiology (PE), a diagnostic technique used in the identification and solving of animal health problems in rural communities, was also discussed. PE application, in conjunction with conventional diagnostic tools, will improve CBPP identification in pastoral rural communities and promote control of the disease in Africa. Furthermore, adequate CBPP control can be achieved through stronger political commitments from governments by prioritizing the disease among major diseases of high economic importance to the livestock industry for surveillance and control. Investment in CBPP control in endemic African countries will assure food security, livelihoods and the general well-being of people, and international trade.

Perceptions, circumstances and motivators affecting the implementation of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia control programmes in Nigerian Fulani pastoral herds

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious disease of cattle which substantially contributes to poor productivity of the sub-Saharan pastoral livestock sector. In Nigeria and most of the West African countries, limited public funding for CBPP control have necessitated farmers to bear a bigger burden of managing the disease. Understanding the factors influencing decision of farmers to implement disease control programmes is therefore a key element in informing future policies aimed at improving CBPP management. This study explored perceptions of Nigerian Fulani pastoral herdsmen on the responsibility for cattle healthcare, and identified their circumstances and motivations in implementing CBPP management programmes. Field data were collected from 191 pastoral farmers using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The results indicated that younger farmers were more likely than their older counterpart to accept the responsibility for CBPP management (p<0.01). This may signal future prospects for improved CBPP management where upcoming farmers could be encouraged to implement CBPP control programmes and uphold the costs. 13.6% of the farmers had no intention of implementing any CBPP control programme on farm, while 81.2% either had a positive intention or implemented at least one programme aimed at controlling CBPP. Intention to implement CBPP control programmes was significantly associated with educational attainment of farmers (p<0.01) and their access to CBPP control services offered by trained veterinarians (p<0.01). Farmers with negative attitudes towards implementing CBPP control programmes could be motivated to change their perspectives by advice from trusted sources and improved access to veterinary services. Conversely, farmers with positive attitudes towards implementing CBPP control programmes were more likely to be motivated by affordable veterinary services and advocacy on specific CBPP control programmes. As such, the former group of farmers will be more likely to benefit from programmes which focus on providing credible information from trusted sources, such as extension agents, veterinarians or successful peers. On the contrary, interventions targeting the latter group of farmers should prioritize cost-effective delivery of improved CBPP control technologies.

Policy analysis for delivery of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia control strategies in sub-Saharan Africa.

This paper presents a policy analysis for the implementation of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) control strategies in pastoral regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease is endemic. A framework for policy analysis was adapted for this review. The framework has eight principal steps: defining the context of the policy, identifying the problem to be addressed by the policy, searching for evidence of the problem, identifying policy options, projecting policy outcomes, evaluating the potential policy options, weighing their outcomes and making the policy decision. The data and information used to search for evidence of the problem, options for solving the problem, and the projected outcomes of those options were obtained from both published and grey sources of literature. The policy problem for CBPP control in sub-Saharan Africa was identified as a failure to deliver control services to farmers whose cattle are at high risk of exposure to infection. The authors suggest the adoption of signed contractual agreements between the public and private sectors to support the vaccination of susceptible herds raised in endemic regions. Implementation of this policy will increase vaccination coverage of susceptible cattle herds since current vaccination coverage is low.

Molecular detection of Nigerian field isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides as causative agents of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting cattle and is widely distributed in the sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to detect Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) the causative agent of CBPP from 90 cattle at slaughter using polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism. In this study, 450 samples suggestive of CBPP in Maiduguri, Yola and Gombe township abattoirs were processed according to standard protocols. The isolation rate was found to be 3.33% and percentage of identification with PCR-RFLP yielded 1.56%. Subsequently, QIAxcel revealed molecular size of 574bp for Mycoplasma mycoides subcluster. Further analysis of PCR amplicons with restriction digestion, confirmed the presence of Mmm 16S rRNA of CAP 21 genomic region with molecular sizes of 180bp and 380bp. Thus, the 380bp fragments delineated Mmm from Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri. Three isolates (BL5, BL6 and AL1) were from lungs and four from pleural fluids (APF2, APF8A, APF8B and APF9) were isolated and identified, while a vaccine strain T1/44 was re-detected along with the field isolates. No sample from Gombe had Mmm. In conclusion, the findings of this study have detected the presence of Mmm as causative agent of CBPP. Measures such as surveillance, quarantine and vaccination are hereby recommended for the control of CBPP in Nigeria.

Control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia: Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices in Narok district of Kenya

CBPP is an important transboundary disease in sub-Saharan Africa whose control is urgent. Participatory data collection involving 52 focus group discussions in 37 village clusters and key informant interviews, a cross-sectional study involving 232 households and a post-vaccination follow up involving 203 households was carried out in 2006–2007 in Narok South district of Kenya. This was to investigate knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices (KAPP) associated with control of CBPP as well as the adverse post-vaccination reactions in animals in order to advice the control policy. The community perceived trans-boundary CBPP threat to their cattle. They had traditional disease coping mechanisms and were conversant with CBPP prevention and control with 49.8% (95%CI: 42.8–56.7%) giving priority to CBPP control. However, 12.9% (95%CI: 9.0–18.1%) of pastoralists had no knowledge of any prevention method and 10.0% (95%CI: 6.5–14.7%) would not know what to do or would do nothing in the event of an outbreak. Although 43.5% (95%CI: 37.1–50.2%) of pastoralists were treating CBPP cases with antimicrobials, 62.5% (95%CI: 52.1–71.7%) of them doubted the effectiveness of the treatments. Pastoralists perceived vaccination to be the solution to CBPP but vaccination was irregular due to unavailability of the vaccine. Vaccination was mainly to control outbreaks rather than preventive and exhibited adverse post-vaccination reactions among 70.4% (95%CI: 63.6–76.5%) of herds and 3.8% (95%CI: 3.5–4.2%) of animals. Consequently, nearly 25.2% (95%CI: 18.5–33.2%) of pastoralists may resist subsequent vaccinations against CBPP. Pastoralists preferred CBPP vaccination at certain times of the year and that it is combined with other vaccinations. In conclusion, pastoralists were not fully aware of the preventive measures and interventions and post-vaccination reactions may discourage subsequent CBPP vaccinations. Consequently there is need for monitoring and management of post vaccination reactions and awareness creation on CBPP prevention and interventions and their merits and demerits. CBPP vaccine was largely unavailable to the pastoralists and the preference of the pastoralists was for vaccination at specified times and vaccine combinations which makes it necessary to avail the vaccine in conformity with the pastoralists preferences. In addition, planning vaccinations should involve pastoralists and neighbouring countries. As the results cannot be generalized, further studies on CBPP control methods and their effectiveness are recommended.

Estimation of impact of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia on pastoralists in Kenya

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious disease which impacts cattle production in sub-Saharan Africa. To adequately allocate resources for its control, there is a need to assess its impact on cattle producers. The present study estimated the impact of CBPP on pastoralists through analysis of various strategies employed for its control in cattle herds including: preventive vaccination, antimicrobial treatment, slaughter of clinical cases and other combinations of these control strategies. The assessment was based on a loss-expenditure frontier framework to identify a control strategy with minimum cost from both expenditures on control strategies and output losses due to mortalities, reduced milk yield, reduced weight gain and reduced fertility rate. The analysis was undertaken in a stochastic spreadsheet model. The control strategy with minimum cost per herd was preventive vaccination with an estimated cost of US$ 193 (90% CI; 170–215) per 100 cows per year, while slaughter of clinical cases had an estimated cost of US$ 912 (90% CI; 775–1055) per 100 cows per year. The impact of CBPP to the nation was estimated at US$ 7.6 (90% CI; 6.5–8.7) million per year. Yet, if all pastoralists whose cattle are at high risk of infection adopted preventive vaccination, the aggregate national impact would be US$ 3.3 (90% CI; 2.9–3.7) million per year, with savings amounting to US$ 4.3 million through reallocation of control expenditures. The analysis predicted that control of CBPP in Kenya is profitable through preventive vaccination. However, further research is recommended for the technical and financial feasibility of implementing a vaccine delivery system in pastoral areas where CBPP is endemic.

Characterization of the in vitro core surface proteome of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is a severe cattle disease, present in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The development of improved diagnostic tests and vaccines for CBPP control remains a research priority. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the Triton X-114 soluble proteome of nine Mmm strains isolated from Europe or Africa. Of a total of 250 proteins detected, 67 were present in all strains investigated. Of these, 44 were predicted to be lipoproteins or cytoplasmic membrane-associated proteins and are thus likely to be members of the core in vitro surface membrane-associated proteome of Mmm. Moreover, the presence of all identified proteins in other ruminant Mycoplasma pathogens were investigated. Two proteins of the core proteome were identified only in other cattle pathogens of the genus Mycoplasma pointing towards a role in host–pathogen interactions. The data generated will facilitate the identification and prioritization of candidate Mycoplasma antigens for improved control measures, as it is likely that surface-exposed membrane proteins will include those that are involved in host–pathogen interactions.

Réémergence de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine au Sénégal

The authors have described an epizootic infection of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides biotype Small Colony (MmmSC), that has affected Ndama bovine in Lounthy village, a locality based in Bala city in the Eastern part of Senegal, during the post-rainy season in November 2012. After the cessation of vaccination, a hotbed of suspicion of CBPP was identified on November 3rd 2012 in the village of Lounthy: out of the total of 98 cattle, 13 animals were sick and 5 of them died. These studies have been done according to clinical aspects, serological, bacteriological and molecular analysis of the samples. This reemergent disease will give new orientations for CBPP control in Senegal, where it was supposed the disease has been eradicated since 2005.

Private sector involvement in the control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the Kazungula district of Zambia benefitted the community and the control strategy

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a disease of economic importance that is widely distributed in sub-Saharan African and contributes significantly to cattle morbidity and mortality. Lack of resources to implement eradication measures has led to the disease becoming endemic in most areas in sub-Saharan Africa where governments have little resources and the majority of the people are poor. Usually, control and eradication of such diseases as CBPP is treated as a public good by governments and to achieve this, governments are usually assisted by nongovernment organisations, bilateral government programmes and international donors. The private sector, which usually is companies that run businesses to make profit, although not very well established in sub-Saharan Africa could play a big role in the eradication of CBPP in the region. This could play a dual role of promoting investment and also eradicate livestock diseases which have proved a menace in the livestock sector. This paper highlights the role played by the private sector in the control of CBPP in Zambia.

Pharmacodynamics of antimicrobials against Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides small colony, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.

Background Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) is the causative agent of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), a disease of substantial economic importance in sub-Saharan Africa. Failure of vaccination to curtail spread of this disease has led to calls for evaluation of the role of antimicrobials in CBPP control. Three major classes of antimicrobial are effective against mycoplasmas, namely tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and macrolides. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effector kinetics of oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin against two MmmSC field strains in artificial medium and adult bovine serum.MethodsMinimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin against MmmSC strains B237 and Tan8 using a macrodilution technique, and time-kill curves were constructed for various multiples of the MIC over a 24 hour period in artificial medium and serum. Data were fitted to sigmoid Emax models to obtain 24 hour-area under curve/MIC ratios for mycoplasmastasis and, where appropriate, for mycoplasmacidal activity and virtual mycoplasmal elimination.ResultsMinimum inhibitory concentrations against B237 were 20-fold higher, 2-fold higher and approximately 330-fold lower in serum than in artificial medium for oxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin, respectively. Such differences were mirrored in experiments using Tan8. Oxytetracycline was mycoplasmastatic against both strains in both matrices. Danofloxacin elicited mycoplasmacidal activity against B237 and virtual elimination of Tan8; similar maximum antimycoplasmal effects were observed in artificial medium and serum. Tulathromycin effected virtual elimination of B237 but was mycoplasmastatic against Tan8 in artificial medium. However, this drug was mycoplasmastatic against both strains in the more physiologically relevant matrix of serum.ConclusionsOxytetracycline, danofloxacin and tulathromycin are all suitable candidates for further investigation as potential treatments for CBPP. This study also highlights the importance of testing drug activity in biological matrices as well as artificial media.

Challenges of controlling contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a disease of economic importance that is widely distributed in sub-Saharan African and contributes significantly to cattle morbidity and mortality. Control of CBPP offers a number of challenges as a result many developing countries in Africa are still struggling with this disease. In this study, we look at the challenges encountered in CBPP control in sub-Saharan Africa from the Zambian perspective. In conducting this study, we reviewed scientific literature and reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and related animal institutions, and also made interviews with experts and key government officials involved in CBPP control in Zambia. Among the challenges identified for the successful control of CBPP were as follows: failure in the delivery of veterinary services, lack of a cattle identification system, natural phenomenon, livestock husbandry systems in the traditional sector, human movements, traditional practices among cattle farmers and cattle marketing systems. It was seen that the epidemiology of CBPP in Zambia is influenced by both ecological and anthological factors. Therefore, design and implementation of any control or eradication programme should be area/regional-dependent taking into account the different factors influencing disease transmission and maintenance.

Isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (SC) in small ruminants in Sahel zone of Nigeria and its implications on disease control

A study on the isolation of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (SC) in small ruminants and its implication on disease control was carried out in the Sahel zone of Nigeria. This was achieved by the examination of pneumonic lesions in apparently normal and affected lungs of sheep and goats slaughtered at Maiduguri municipal abattoir. A total of 400 lungs (200 each from sheep and goats) were examined at post-mortem (PM) for pneumonic lesions. Of this number, 50 (25%) sheep had pneumonic lungs, while almost double the number 89 (44.5%) of goats showed pneumonic lungs. The prevalence of pneumonic lungs in the sheep was higher amongst the females (34.3%) than the males (23%), while in the goats, the prevalence was higher in the males (48%) compared to the females (38.7%) examined. Seven different Mycoplasma species were isolated from both unaffected and affected lungs of sheep and goats. 42 isolates were obtained from 150 unaffected sheep samples, whilst 36 isolates were obtained from 50 affected sheep. Of the 111 unaffected and 89 affected caprine lung samples, a total of 55 and 66 Mycoplasma isolates were recovered respectively. The commonly occurring Mycoplasmas in both unaffected and affected lungs of sheep and goats were Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (30%), Mycoplama mycoides subspecies capri (29.5%), Mycoplama mycoides subspecies mycoides SC (13.5%) and Mycoplasma capricolum (11.5%) with Mycobacterium bovis (1.5%) being the least isolated. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Mycoplasma mycoide s subspecies mycoides SC the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Nigeria. Although the isolation rate of M. bovis was low in this study, its isolation in non-bovine ruminants is significant as it shows evidence of mycoplasma circulation between various animal species reared in close contact. These findings may pose serious impediments to the control of endemic CBPP in Nigeria. Key words: Isolates, Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides, sheep, goats, Nigeria.

Efficacy of two vaccine formulations against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Kenyan indigenous cattle

A live, attenuated vaccine is currently the only viable option to control of CBPP in Africa. It has been suggested that simple modifications to current vaccines and protocols might improve efficacy in the field. In this report we compared the current vaccine formulation with a buffered preparation that maintains Mycoplasma viability at ambient temperature for a longer time. Groups of animals were vaccinated with the two formulations and compared with non vaccinated groups. Half of the animals in each group were challenged 3months post vaccination, the other half after 16months. Protection levels were measured using the pathology index, calculated from post mortem scores of lesions from animals killed during the course of clinical disease. In the challenge at 3months post vaccination, the protection levels were 52% and 77% for the modified and current vaccine preparations, respectively. At 16months post vaccination, the protection levels were 56% and 62% for the modified and current vaccine preparations, respectively. These findings indicate that there are no differences in protection levels between the two vaccines. Because of its longer half life after reconstitution, the modified vaccine might be preferred in field situations where the reconstituted vaccine is likely not to be administered immediately.

Disease control during the colonial period in Australia

The first permanent European settlers of Australia arrived in 1788 to establish a penal colony at Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). As the colony grew and wool production increased, more free settlers and emancipists developed farming in inland Australia. During the 1840s veterinarians commenced arriving in small numbers but they were not closely associated with the development and execution of disease control programs, which was left to lay inspectors of stock. The arrival of William Tyson Kendall and coordinated action with Graham Mitchell led to the establishment of a private veterinary college following the passage of veterinary surgeons legislation in Victoria. From this time, veterinarians came to be appointed to positions formerly occupied by lay inspectors and the veterinary profession was able to take up the role of planning and executing government-led disease control programs. From a colony relying on wool for export to the UK, technical advancements in meat freezing and pasture improvement widened the range and increased the quantity of exported products. Before the advent of veterinary advances, sheep scab was eradicated, a vaccine was developed for anthrax and glanders infection of horses was prevented entry to Australia. Graduates from the Melbourne Veterinary College spread across Australia and in this period a conservative quarantine policy was developed following inaction to control an outbreak of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and the escape of rabbits to form a plague across the continent. Coordinated control of CBPP had to await the next century and advancement of technology increased our understanding of bacteriology and immunity of infectious diseases. Veterinary services were provided to the militia sent by the colonies to the Boer Wars in South Africa 1987-1901 and the veterinarians from Victoria were led by an Australian trained veterinarian.

A history of the prevalence and control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in China

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony type, was once the most damaging infectious animal disease in China, second only to rinderpest. Between 1949 and 1989, 178,570 cattle died of CBPP, causing estimated losses of 356 million RMB (1RMB=approx. £0.094, US$0.15, €0.11 at 27th January 2011). In 1956, in an effort to control the disease, a virulent strain of the causative organism (Ben-1) was attenuated by multiple passages in rabbits. The resultant vaccine achieved a high protection rate in cattle with a duration of immunity of 28 months. Vaccines were also prepared in sheep to increase the antigen yield and then in Tibetan sheep because it caused fewer adverse reactions in yaks and related species. The last CBPP infected animal was identified in 1989 since when no more cases have occurred. In 1992, vaccination of cattle was stopped. In 2008 China submitted an application to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to be declared CBPP-free.