This booklet is one of a series prepared by FAO's Emergency System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) (Livestock) Unit as an aid to emergency preparedness for major transboundary diseases of livestock.
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony variant (MmmSC), is a major obstacle to cattle production in Africa, and indeed considered to be one of the great cattle plagues, following closely on the heels of rinderpest. The disease appeared to be under control in the 1970s following intensive vaccination coupled with strict movement controls. However, it made a spectacular return in the 1990s, affecting areas previously known to be free from the disease. Increased outbreaks were likewise observed in known enzootic areas. The ability to recognize the disease in the field and the capability to confirm the diagnosis of the disease in the laboratory accurately are very important components of epidemiological surveillance for CBPP. Important decisions on control options are based on information obtained from such surveillance. This manual has been prepared with these factors in view and it is expected that it will assist all stakeholders in cattle production on the African continent and elsewhere with familiarization with key epidemiological features of the disease, allowing early recognition and diagnosis.
Remember: Early warning is the key to early reaction for containment, control and rapid elimination
For details on this and other publications, and to obtain additional copies, contact:
EMPRES (Livestock)
Animal Health Service
FAO Animal Production and Health Division
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Tel: (+39) 06 5705 4798/4184
Fax: (+39) 06 57053023
E-mail: [email protected]
EMPRES home page: www.fao.org/empres
