Ultrasonographic findings in goats with contagious caprine pleuropneumonia caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae

Assessing lung consolidation in goats using different ultrasonographic techniques

Goats are often affected by respiratory diseases and, despite ultrasonography can assess lung consolidations in several species, it is rarely used in these animals. So, this study evaluated the effectiveness of on-farm lung ultrasonography in detecting lung consolidations on 27 goats. The goats, scheduled for slaughter, underwent complete clinical examinations and lung ultrasonography. For the latter, both sides of the thorax were divided in four quadrants and examined using convex and linear probes before and after shaving the hair. Each quadrant was classified based on presence/absence of lung consolidation and maximum consolidation's depth (4-point scale: 0 healthy; 1 depth < 1 cm; 2 depth < 3 cm; 3 depth > 3 cm). The lungs were examined at necropsy, 66% of goats exhibited lung consolidations and sensitivity (83%-89%), specificity (100%), and κ coefficient values (0.67-0.72) were high with all techniques. An higher (p ≤ 0.01) percentage of class 1 lesions were found at necropsy compared to all the ultrasonographic techniques. All the ultrasonographic techniques effectively detected lung consolidation deeper than 1 cm. So, ultrasonography seems an effective tool for lung examination in goats with chronic pneumonia. The examination using the linear or the convex probes without shaving the hair could be a promising tool for the on-field diagnosis of pneumonia, although further research on larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these findings.

Discolored urine in sheep and goats: Clinical, etiological, hematobiochemical, sonographic and postmortem findings

Background

Bloody urine is classified in farm animals as hematuria, hemoglobinuria, and myoglobinuria. In small ruminants, discolored urine is reported due to several etiologies which is sometimes fatal. Of these causes are babesiosis, bacillary hemoglobinuria, copper toxicity, and hypophosphatemia.

Aim

This study was designed to investigate the clinical, etiological, hematobiochemical, ultrasonographic, and pathological findings in rams and bucks with red urine syndrome.

Methods

Eighteen male animals (nine rams and nine bucks) of 6 months to 3 years were examined. Parallel, 10 healthy controls were used. They were admitted due to red urine, voiding of only urine drops, straining during the act of urination, grunting during urination, ventral abdominal edema, and abdominal distension. The duration of the disease ranged from 2 to 30 days. A history of chronic copper toxicosis was informed in two bucks and a ram. Two blood samples were collected from diseased as well as from controls in EDTA tubes (for complete blood count testing) and in plain tubes (for serum collection).

Results

Hematuria was found in 11 animals (seven bucks and four rams) while hemoglobinuria was detected in seven animals (five bucks and two rams). Sonographic findings in diseased animals included ruptured urinary bladder in 3, ruptured urethra in 5, penile calculi, uroperitoneum in 6, distended urinary bladder in 7, hydronephrosis in 5, echogenic deposits in the bladder in 3, and ventral urine accumulation in four animals. Laboratory evaluation of a Geimsa-stained blood smear confirmed the infection with Babesia in three bucks and a ram. Hemolytic anemia was marked in two bucks and a ram due to chronic copper toxicity. Biochemical abnormalities included hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration, and hyperglycemia. Postmortem examination was carried out on six animals (four rams and two bucks).

Conclusion

Discolored urine in rams and bucks in this study resulted from hematuria due to urinary calculi and pelvic abscessation or from hemoglobinuria due to Babesia infection or due to copper toxicity. Hemolytic anemia was the outstanding hematological finding and hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, and hyperglycemia were the characteristic biochemical findings. Sonography of the urinary tract was very helpful in assessing the renal parenchyma, urinary bladder, and abdominal cavity for the verification of urolithiasis, hydronephrosis, intact or ruptured urinary bladder, uroperitoneum, and perforated urethra.

Evaluation of the effect of therapeutic durations on small ruminant bacterial pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Sheep and goat production in Ethiopia is hindered by numerous substandard production systems and various diseases. Respiratory disease complexes (RDC) pose a significant threat to the productivity of these animals. Pneumonia is a common manifestation of respiratory disease complexes and often necessitates a prolonged course of antibiotic treatment. This study aimed to optimize and propose the ideal duration of therapy for pneumonia in sheep and goats.

METHODS

The study was conducted from February to June 2021 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University. The study recruited 54 sheep and goats presented to the hospital for treatment with a confirmed RDC as determined based on clinical signs and bacteriological methods. The animals were randomly allocated to 5 groups each group receiving 10% oxytetracycline (Phenxyl, Phenix, Belgum) intramuscularly for a duration of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 consecutive days. The treatment outcomes were assessed by recording vital signs (body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, coughing, and nasal discharges), performing lung ultrasonography (L-USG) as well as collection of nasal swabs for bacterial isolation and molecular identification before and after completion of the treatment. An ordered logistic regression model with random effects was employed to determine the optimal therapeutic duration, taking into account the cumulative scores of the outcome variables across the different groups.

RESULTS

Among the 54 sheep and goats treated with 10% oxytetracycline, a total of 74.07% (95% CI, 60.35-85.04) achieved complete recovery, as confirmed through clinical, ultrasound, and bacteriological methods. In Group 1 (G1), out of 12 sheep and goats, 8 (83.0%) recovered completely; in Group 2 (G2), out of 11 animals, 9 (82.0%) recovered completely; in Group 3 (G3), out of 11 animals, 10 (93.0%) recovered completely; in Group 4 (G4), out of 9 animals, 9 (100.0%) recovered completely; and in Group 5 (G5), out of 11 animals, 10 (91.0%) recovered completely. Bacteriological examination of nasal swabs indicated involvement of M. hemolytica in 27 (50.00%) and P. multocida in 13 (24.07%) of pneumonic animals. Detection of specific marker genes confirmed only five of the presumptive M. hemolytica isolates, whilst no isolates tested positive for P. multocida. Post-treatment samples collected from recovered animals did not yield any M. hemolytica nor P. multocida. Based on results from clinical signs, L-USG, and bacterial infection variables, the group of sheep and goats treated for seven consecutive days (G5) showed the highest recovery score compared to the other groups, and there was a statistically significant difference (coefficient (β) = - 2.296, p = 0.021) in variable score between G5 and G1. These findings suggest that the administration of 10% oxytetracycline for a full course of seven consecutive days resulted in symptomatic and clinical recovery rates from respiratory disease in sheep and goats.

Ultrasonography and digital radiography findings in sheep with clinical disease associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection

Digital radiography and ultrasonographic images were used in this case series to evaluate 4 ewes from a single flock for chronic weight loss and ill-thrift. On examination, all displayed tachypnea, dyspnea, coughing, and normothermia with abnormal thoracic auscultations. Three of the 4 animals were diagnosed with chronic respiratory disease associated with Maedi-visna (MV) infection confirmed via serologic testing. Diagnostic thoracic imaging identified characteristics consistent with pathological lesions associated with interstitial pneumonia in the 3 MV affected animals; these findings were absent in the animal that tested negative for MV. Key clinical message: Diagnostic imaging may be useful to clinicians looking to obtain further visualization of lung pathologies and as a reliable means of detecting thoracic lesions indicative of interstitial pneumonia on-farm. These results can be used to aid the practitioner in determining appropriate further diagnostic testing and treatment strategies while awaiting confirmatory test results for diagnosis of MV.

Development of Immunochromatographic Assay for the Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae Antibodies

Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) is the cause of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), which is a highly significant respiratory disease in goats leading to significant economic losses in Africa and Asia. Currently available procedures for the diagnosis of CCPP have some limitations in sensitivity, specificity, operation time, requirement of sophisticated equipment or skilled personnel, and cost. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic assay (GICA) strip for the efficient on-site detection of antibodies against Mccp in the serum within 10 min. For the preparation of this colloidal GICA strip, recombinant P20 protein, the membrane protein of Mccp, was expressed by Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system after purification was used as the binding antigen in the test. The rabbit anti-goat immunoglobulin G labeled with the colloidal gold was used as the detection probe, whereas the goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G was coated on the nitrocellulose membrane as the control line. The concentration of the coating antibody was optimized, and the effectiveness of this colloidal GICA strip was evaluated. Our results proved that the detection limit of the test strip was up to 1:64 dilutions for the Mccp antibody-positive serum samples with no cross-reactivity with other pathogens commonly infecting small ruminants,including goat pox virus, peste des petits ruminants virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus type A, or other mycoplasmas. Moreover, the colloidal GICA strip was more sensitive and specific than the indirect hemagglutination assay for the detection of Mccp antibodies. The 106 clinical serum samples were detected by the colloidal GICA strip compared with the complement fixation test, demonstrating an 87.74% concordance with the complement fixation test. This novel colloidal GICA strip would be an effective tool for the cost-effective and rapid diagnosis of CCPP in the field.

A mini-review on diagnosis of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

Diagnosis of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia is imperative for timely detection and devising interventions that prevent disease spread and loss to farmers. Diagnosis of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia involves clinical signs, gross morphological lesions on postmortem, histopathology, culture and isolation, hematological, biochemical, serological and molecular diagnostic tests. Culture and isolation confirms the disease however it has been costly, cumbersome and difficult owing to the requirements of specific media, slow and difficult growth of causative agent Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. With the recent developments, diagnosis has comparatively eased by novel readymade media, advanced serological latex agglutination test (LAT), competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) or gene-based amplification of DNA, viz. polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), hybridization and sequencing than the cumbersome and lengthy conventional tests; however they have financial implications and require sophisticated laboratory infrastructure and technical manpower. The latex agglutination test (LAT) is rapid, simple, and better test for field and real-time diagnosis applicable to whole blood or serum and is more sensitive than the compliment fixation test (CFT) and easier than the cELISA. PCR and monoclonal antibody based ELISA being specific aid to confirmation of CCPP. Future thrust is on developing rapid, sensitive, and specific tests that are cheap and convenient for field application.

Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in sheep and goats with urinary tract disorders

Background and Aim:

In sheep and goats, most urinary disorders are incidental findings at the postmortem examination and do not present clinically. As such, the diagnosis of renal diseases in sheep and goats can be overlooked. Therefore, this study was carried out on sheep and goats to describe the clinical, ultrasonography(USG), and postmortem findings of various disorders affecting the urinary tract.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 58 animals (30 sheep and 28 goats) were examined, as well as were ten healthy control animals (five sheep and five goats) for a comparison. The animals were referred for various causes, including anorexia, frequent and painful urination, hematuria, decreased body weight, oliguria, and anuria.

Results:

The sheep and goats were categorized into ten groups of symptoms and disorders: Pelvic abscessation, pigmented urine, renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, hydronephrosis, rupture of the urethra, rupture of the urinary bladder, rupture of the urinary bladder together with the urethra, and paralysis of the urinary bladder. Clinical presentation, USG, and postmortem examination results for each group were detailed. Many clinical presentations were nonspecific. USG examination of the urinary tract significantly facilitated the verification of the previously mentioned disorders.

Conclusion:

USG demonstrated superior performance in the early and confirmatory diagnosis of urinary disorders in sheep and goats. Therefore, it is recommended that routine USG be the preferred imaging modality for examining sheep and goats with urinary disorders and for determining their prognosis.

Alterations in acid-base balance, blood gases, and hematobiochemical profiles of whole-blood and thoracic fluid in goats with contagious caprine pleuropneumonia

Background and Aim:

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious and fatal disease affecting goats and some wild ruminants. It is a cause of major economic losses in the goat industry in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate the acid-base balance, blood gases, and hematobiochemical profiles of whole-blood and fluid collected from the thoracic cavity in goats with CCPP.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-five goats suffering from weight loss, anorexia, dyspnea, polypnea, cough, and nasal discharges due to CCPP were studied. Twenty-five healthy goats were used as controls. Diseased animals were enrolled in this study based on a positive serological latex agglutination test (LAT) that confirmed the detection of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. The control goats were enrolled based on a negative result of the LAT.

Results:

Compared with a mean value of 7.38±0.04 in controls, the pH in the diseased group was 7.41±0.05. The blood pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂), pressure of oxygen (PO₂), base excess (BE), bicarbonate (HCO₃), total carbon dioxide (TCO₂), and saturation of oxygen (SO₂) were lower in goats with CCPP than in controls. However, the anion gap (AnGap) was higher in the diseased goats than in the healthy ones. Compared with the levels in blood samples, the thoracic fluid PCO₂, PO₂, BE, and SO₂ were higher while pH, HCO₃, TCO₂, and AnGap were lower. Compared with the findings in healthy goats, hematological alterations included significant increases in white blood cells and neutrophils, and a significant decrease in the red blood cell count. In the thoracic fluid, neutrophilic leukocytosis was a remarkable finding. The serum concentrations of globulin, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) increased significantly compared with those in controls. In contrast, serum concentrations of albumin, calcium, and magnesium, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased significantly compared with those of healthy animals. The activities of ALP, AST, GGT, and creatine kinase and the concentration of phosphorus were higher in thoracic fluid than the serum values in the diseased group.

Conclusion:

When compared with the healthy controls, goats with CCPP have metabolic acidosis. Compared with the levels in healthy goats, the blood PCO₂, PO₂, BE, HCO₃, TCO₂, and SO₂ are low in goats with CCPP; however, the AnGap is higher in diseased goats.

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP): A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in sheep and goats

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious respiratory disease of small ruminants that is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae. Sheep and goats are two of the species of small ruminants most at risk of CCPP. Outbreaks of CCPP cause significant economic and trade disturbances in several parts of the world. However, the extent and magnitude of CCPP in a particular geographical region is still not well known due to lack of comprehensive data on its occurrence. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CCPP in sheep and goats raised in different geographical regions as well as the factors contributing to the spread of the disease. Searches were done in five online repositories: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Direct and Google Scholar using pre-selected key terms. Data were retrieved from the 41 articles that met the study's inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalences were determined using a random effect meta-analysis model. Prevalence of CCPP was 23.19% (95% CI: 11.90-34.47%) in sheep and 24.91% (95% CI: 20.99-28.84%) in goats. Overall, the regional level pooled prevalence estimates ranged from 8.0% (95% CI: 6.91-9.09%) to 28.70% (22.02-35.38%), depending on species and world region. Substantial heterogeneity (I²  > 75%) was observed in most pooled prevalence estimates. The results indicate high prevalences of CCPP in sheep and goats across the regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, and highlights the need to institute appropriate control measures. Active surveillance and research on risk factors are recommended.

The first identification of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in sheep and goats in Egypt: molecular and pathological characterization

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is one of the most fatal and contagious diseases of goats. To date, the occurrence of CCPP in Egypt has not been reported. During the period from 2017 to 2018, 200 goats and 400 sheep from Matrouh Governorate (Al Alamein and El Hammam cities) were suspected to have CCPP; animals were examined to confirm the presence of CCPP infection as well as the epidemiological status, clinical features, and molecular and histopathologic characteristics of lung tissues. Additionally, a treatment trial was performed to assess the efficacy of anti-mycoplasma therapy in the treatment of clinical cases of this disease. The occurrence of CCPP was 32.5% and 5% in goats and sheep, respectively, while case fatality was 30% and 8% in goats and sheep, respectively. The clinical forms of CCPP in both sheep and goats varied from per-acute to acute or chronic cases. Histopathological analysis of lung tissues from dead cases (either sheep or goats) revealed different stages of broncho- and pleuropneumonia ranging from per-acute to acute or chronic stages. Lung tissues showed severe congestion of interalveolar capillaries, flooding of alveoli and bronchi with a fibrinous exudate, a high degree of pleural thickening, and multifocal areas of necrosis that were sometimes sequestered in the fibrous capsule. Isolation of Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) was confirmed in all dead cases by agar and broth culture methods and polymerase chain reaction. The treatment trial revealed that the marbofloxacin and spiramycin groups had a higher cure rate (70%) than the oxytetracycline group (40%) and a lower fatality rate (30%) than the oxytetracycline group (60%). Conclusively, infection with CCPP in goats and sheep is considered to be novel for Mccp in Egypt, where this species is considered to be the main pathogen in goats, not in sheep. Additionally, it could be concluded that treatment may be effective only if given early. Further comprehensive surveys are required to investigate the risk of CCPP in goats and sheep in all Egyptian governorates.

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia - a comprehensive review

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a serious disease of goats, occasionally sheep and wild ruminants, caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp). The disease is characterized by severe serofibrinous pleuropneumonia, very high morbidity (∼100%), and mortality (80–100%). CCPP affects goats in more than 40 countries of the world thereby posing a serious threat to goat farming around the globe. The characteristic clinical signs of CCPP are severe respiratory distress associated with sero-mucoid nasal discharge, coughing, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleurodynia, and general malaise. In later stages, severe lobar fibrinous pleuropneumonia, profuse fluid accumulation in pleural cavity, severe congestion of lungs and adhesion formation is observed. Mycoplasmal antigen interactions with host immune system and its role in CCPP pathogenesis are not clearly understood. CCPP is not a zoonotic disease. Diagnosis has overcome cumbersome and lengthy conventional tests involving culture, isolation, and identification by advanced serological (LAT, cELISA) or gene-based amplification of DNA (PCR, RFLP, and hybridization) and sequencing. The latex agglutination test (LAT) is rapid, simple, and better test for field and real-time diagnosis applicable to whole blood or serum and is more sensitive than the CFT and easier than the cELISA. Moreover, the studies on antibiotic sensitivity and exploration of novel antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, macrolides) can help in better therapeutic management besides preventing menace of antibiotic resistance. Re-visiting conventional prophylactic measures focussing on developing novel strain-based or recombinant vaccines using specific antigens (capsular or cellular) should be the most important strategy for controlling the disease worldwide.