CONTAGIOUS BOVINE PLEUROPNEUMONIA (CBPP)

1. OVERVIEW

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious respiratory disease of cattle and water buffalo caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides.

The disease primarily affects the lungs and pleura, causing fever, respiratory distress, coughing, and nasal discharge. CBPP is particularly important in Africa because of its high contagiousness, mortality, and associated economic losses.

2. TRANSMISSION

CBPP is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected animals. Infection occurs primarily by inhalation of respiratory droplets released through coughing.

A major challenge in controlling CBPP is the presence of subclinical and chronic carrier animals. Recovered cattle may retain chronic lung lesions (sequestra) containing the organism and can continue to spread the disease.

The organism may also be present in saliva, urine, fetal membranes, and uterine discharges, and transplacental infection can occur. However, its survival in the environment is poor.

The incubation period is variable, but most cases develop 3–8 weeks after exposure. Morbidity may reach 70% in susceptible herds, while mortality can approach 50%, particularly during the first outbreak.

3. CLINICAL SIGNS

The main clinical signs include:

• Loss of appetite
• High fever
• Rapid and difficult breathing
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge

Affected cattle may stand alone in the shade with the head and neck extended, back arched, and limbs positioned outward to facilitate breathing.

As the disease progresses, animals rapidly lose body condition and develop severe respiratory distress, often accompanied by a grunt during expiration. In severe cases, animals become recumbent and may die within 1–3 weeks.

CBPP may also occur in subacute or inapparent forms. Such animals may recover clinically but remain carriers and contribute to disease transmission.

4. POST-MORTEM LESIONS

Typical lesions are found mainly in the thoracic cavity and lungs.

Key findings include:

• Large volumes of clear yellow or turbid fluid in the thoracic cavity, sometimes containing fibrin flakes.
• Thick fibrin deposits covering the thoracic organs.
• Usually unilateral lung involvement.
• Enlarged, firm, and consolidated lung tissue.
• Characteristic marbled appearance of the affected lung due to widened interlobular septa.
• Fibrinous pleurisy and pneumonia.
• Pulmonary vascular thrombosis and areas of lung necrosis.

In chronic cases, necrotic lung tissue may become enclosed within a thick fibrous capsule, forming sequestra. These lesions can harbor viable organisms, allowing recovered cattle to become chronic carriers.

6. PREVENTION, CONTROL AND TREATMENT

The major challenges in controlling CBPP are subclinical infections and chronic carrier animals, which can maintain and spread the disease.

Key control measures include:

• Vaccination: An important control strategy in endemic areas, including Ethiopia.
• Early detection and reporting: Suspected cases should be identified and reported promptly.
• Movement control and quarantine: To reduce disease spread.
• Surveillance: To identify infected and carrier animals.
• Appropriate management or removal of infected animals: According to veterinary regulations.
• Antimicrobial treatment: May be considered in valuable animals or where recommended by veterinary authorities.

Antimicrobial Treatment

Tylosin is an antimicrobial option used against Mycoplasma infections associated with CBPP. It is highly effective at reducing mortality rates and clinical severity during severe outbreaks compared to other common antibiotics.

ASHTYL 20% Injection is an available Tylosin formulation in Ethiopia. It contains Tylosin tartrate equivalent to Tylosin 200 mg/mL and is indicated in cattle for respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma spp.

Important: Antimicrobial treatment may improve clinical recovery and should not replace vaccination, surveillance, movement control, and appropriate management of infected animals.

References

• MSD Veterinary Manual – Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia
• WOAH – Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia