[The epidemiology of contagious lung disease in Switzerland]

Although contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) has not been diagnosed in Switzerland since 1895, anti-CBPP antibodies were detected in several cattle that had been imported from Switzerland to Italy. In order to clarify the current disease situation in Switzerland, detailed epidemiological investigations were performed, including the control of 200,000 slaughter cattle in 108 abattoirs and serological testing of more than 2200 animals from 134 farms. The data collected in the slaughterhouses showed a prevalence of suspect lung lesions of 0.04%. Yet, the causing agent of CBPP Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC could not be isolated from any of these 84 microbiologically analysed lungs. On the other hand, up to 3.5% positive results were obtained from the serological tests. These results are most probably caused by cross-reactions of other mycoplasma. Based on these data Switzerland is still to be considered free of CBPP. Nevertheless, a continued surveillance programme including routine checks of all cattle carcasses at the abattoir and subsequent epidemiological investigation of suspect cases are recommended.