Contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia: how to spot and report the disease

Contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) affects cattle. Humans aren’t affected.

Clinical signs

Infected cattle have difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include:

• dry husky cough, especially when the animal first gets on its feet or is made to run
• grunting or signs of pain if pressure applied to the ribs
• fever
• nasal discharges
• anorexia

In severe cases the animal’s breathing is rapid, movement of the sides is increased and animals stand with feet wide apart to aid breathing.

Some animals may die. Others appear to recover but can remain infectious for up to three years.

How contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia is spread

CBPP is spread by direct contact with an infected animal, through infected droplets in the breath.

Human health implications

There are no human health implications because the disease is not zoonotic.

How to control the disease

If the disease is confirmed the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.

Legislation

CBPP is covered by the Animal Health Act 1981 and the Pleuro-pneumonia Order of 1928

CBPP is also covered by EU Directive 82/894

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is about being aware of the ways disease can spread and taking every practical measure to minimise the risk of disease spreading. The advice details practical things you can do on your farm to help prevent the introduction and spread of CBPP to and from your animals.