# Seroprevalence of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Selected Districts of Borana Zone, Oromia Region, Southern Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study found that about 16% of goats in southern Ethiopia had antibodies against a serious goat disease called CCPP, suggesting it is a significant health issue in the region.

## Contribution

The study provides the first seroprevalence data of CCPP in the Borana Zone of Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 15.85% of goat sera samples were seropositive for CCPP antibodies.
- 68% of flocks had at least one goat with CCPP antibodies.
- Coughing history was a significant risk factor for CCPP.

## Abstract

Globally, CCPP is a serious mycoplasmal disease of goat with high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCPP in goats in Yabello and Elweye districts of Borana zone, Oromia region, Southern Ethiopia.

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken from August to December, 2024, and different sampling methods were used to select districts, peasant associations (PAs), animal owners and individual animals. A total of 284 sera samples, collected from unvaccinated goats of 25 flocks, were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae using competitive ELISA. All the study animals were indigenous local goats that are extensively managed and owned by pastoralists. Some goat rearing‐related information was also collected by using a semi‐structured questionnaire to find out the risk factors.

The result revealed that out of the 284 collected sera samples, 45 (15.85%; 95% CI: 12.06%–20.54%) of them were seropositive for CCPP antibodies. At flock level, 17 out of 25 flocks were positive against the disease, with a flock level prevalence of 68% (95% CI: 48.41–82.79). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between goats with a history of coughing and without coughing, while no significant difference was observed between different districts, age and sex groups.

The current findings showed that CCPP is an important disease affecting the goat population of this area. A broader research involving a larger‐scale study and reservoir species, such as sheep, is recommended to gain deeper practical insights into the disease. Therefore, a consistent surveillance program should be strengthened, and vaccination efforts should be implemented to reduce the impact of the disease.

A cross‐sectional study, conducted on contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in the goat population, revealed a seroprevalence of 15.85% (95% CI: 12.06%–20.54%). Undertaking a broader research involving a larger‐scale study and reservoir species, including sheep, is recommended to gain deeper practical insights into the disease.