Impact of MCCP infections on production and economics of small ruminants in KPK, Pakistan
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study investigated the production and economic impact of Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) infection in goats and sheep within the KPK province of Pakistan. Randomly, 1500 samples were obtained from young and adult animals from various sheep and goats. The samples were screened using biochemical and molecular techniques. The data analysis was performed based on estimated feedback comprising of laboratory diagnosed positive cases and designated as potential risk factors. Out of the serum samples tested, only samples positive for anti-Mccp antibodies were considered for this study. The Model predicted coefficient values exhibited significant (P < 0.05) influence of clinical severity of the disease in assessed in the herds. Direct production losses in CCPP-infected animals included mortality rates of 8% for kids and 1.50% for adults, meat loss averaging 19.60% per animal, milk yield reduction ranging from 0.31 to 0.7 liters per animal (21.09%), skin loss (3.31%), wool loss (11.71%), and culling rates ranging from 12.44% to 18.07%. Wool production in MCCP-infected animals decreased by 175 to 230 grams compared to non-infected counterparts, with inferior wool quality observed in infected flocks. Indirect losses were estimated, considering diagnosis expenses (Rs 4000-5000), veterinary services (Rs 5000/visit), treatment costs (medication + supplements: Rs 1000-1800/animal), supplementary farm inputs (Rs 200-250/animal), and labor charges (Rs 100-180/animal). The significant (P>0.05) impact of MCCP infections was recorded among the infected animal population on production performance. The average cost of culling an animal was calculated based on the loss of value, ranging from Rs 65,000 to 85,000 per culled goat or sheep. Indirect losses such as labor charges, veterinary services, diagnosis and treatment were significant (P<0.05) contributing to financial burden in small ruminant population. These findings highlight the substantial economic burden of MCCP infections on small ruminant farming in the region.
Keywords: Economics; Health; MCCP infection; Production losses; Small ruminant