Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is an 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.

Endemic Areas

CCPP is endemic to Africa, the Middle East and parts of Europe. The United States and Canada are considered free of CCPP.

Clinical Signs

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Frothy nasal discharge
• Stringy saliva
• Anorexia (poor appetite)

Treatment

If caught early, CCPP may be treated with antibiotics. Any goat suspected of having Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

Vaccinations for CCPP are available. The introduction of CCPP into the United States can be prevented by following basic biosecurity procedures including quarantine of animals of unknown health status.

Public Health

CCPP is not a public health threat.

Links

Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia -Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations

Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia -Iowa State University