Pathological and molecular characterization of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) outbreak in Kerala

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) is a highly contagious and serious respiratory disease of goats, characterized by fever, severe respiratory disease, high morbidity and mortality rates. Although the presence of CCPP in India has been acknowledged and serological studies have been carried out in various states, little is known of its epidemiological status in the state, Kerala. Main reason is the inadequacy of laboratory facilities, since the causative agent is rather difficult to cultivate in vitro. An outbreak of CCPP occurred in an organized private goat farm in the state, Kerala. The disease was suspected because of the clinical symptoms and the necropsy findings and was confirmed by molecular typing. The aim of the present communication is to describe pathomorphological and histological features of naturally occurring CCPP outbreak and the significance of molecular diagnosis, which can play a major role in surveillance.