Incidence of Caprine pneumonia in relation to climatic factors in semiarid zone

Incidence of pneumonia in subtropical semiarid zone was assessed in Barbari goats during 2000–2002. The proportional morbidity rate (8.96%) was calculated. Highest incidence was found in age group of 3–6 (25.48%) followed by 6–12 (13.77%), 0–3 (8.07%) and least in >12 (3.25%) months of age. During December to January and April to May, all the age groups were most susceptible to pneumonia. Extreme cold in December and January (6.59 and 6.06°C) and hot period in April and May (40.17 and 42.33°C) in this zone contributed as predisposing factor to pneumonia. Temperature fluctuation also appeared as another major determinant of pneumonia in goats. However, relative humidity did not seem to have regular trend on disease incidence. Incidence of the disease was 9.69, 33.75, 45.40 and 4.18% during summer in 0–3, 3–6, 6–12 and >12 month age group, respectively and in winter in 3–6 month age group (39.40%). Lowest incidence was recorded in rainy season in all age groups. Study indicated that December to January and April to May are the most prone period for pneumonia in subtropical semiarid condition.