Goats are among the most important small ruminants affected by Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) diseases, two of the most significant constraints worldwide to the production of small ruminant species. Herein, the competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) were used to determine the coinfections of PPR and CCPP in goats in Kwale County on Kenya’s South Coast. A total of 368 serum samples were collected from goats of various ages and sexes exhibiting respiratory distress in the four subcounties of Kwale County (Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni) and screened for PPR and CCPP antibodies. Of the 368 goats sampled, 259 (70.4%) were females and 109 (29.6%) were males, and 126 (34.2%), 71 (19.3%), 108 (29.3%), and 63 (17.1%) samples were collected from Kinango, Matuga, Lunga Lunga, and Msambweni, respectively. The overall PPR seropositivity rate was 48.6% (179/368); rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 70.6%, 29.6%, 49.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. The overall CCPP seropositivity rate was 45.4% (167/368), while rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 51.6%, 49.1%, 36.6%, and 36.5%, respectively. Notably, the seropositivity of PPR was higher in male (53.3%) than in female (46.72%) goats, though not statistically significant. In addition, the CCPP seropositivity rates were not significantly different between male (44.0%) and female (45.9%) goats. Regarding age, the PPR seropositivity rates were 45.9%, 55.8%, and 52.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. For CCPP, the seropositivity rates were 48.3%, 40.4%, and 42.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. The coinfection rate of PPR and CCPP was 22.3% (82/368). Despite the high coinfection, univariate analysis revealed no relationship between PPR and CCPP infections. However, given the high PPR and CCPP infection rates, as a result of separate or coinfection, there is a need to upscale or intensify vaccination in the county.

Background: Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in cattle. A prototype subunit vaccine is being developed, however, there is currently no diagnostic test that can differentiate between infected cattle and those vaccinated with the prototype subunit vaccine. This study characterized Mmm proteins to identify potential antigens for use in differentiating infected from vaccinated animals. Results: Ten Mmm antigens expressed as recombinant proteins were tested in an indirect ELISA using experimental sera from control groups, infected, and vaccinated animals. Data were imported into R software for analysis and drawing of the box and scatter plots while Cohen’s Kappa assessed the level of agreement between the Mmm antigens. Two vaccine antigens (MSC_0499 and MSC_0776) were superior in detecting antibodies in sera of animals vaccinated with the subunit vaccines while two non-vaccine antigens (MSC_0636 and LppB) detected antibodies in sera of infected animals showing all clinical stages of the disease. Sensitivity and specificity of above 87.5% were achieved when the MSC_0499 and MSC_0636 antigens were tested on sera from vaccinated and infected animals. Conclusions: The MSC_0499 and MSC_0776 antigens were the most promising for detecting vaccinated animals, while MSC_0636 and LppB were the best targets to identify infected animals. Further testing of sera from vaccinated and infected animals collected at different time intervals in the field should help establish how useful a diagnostic test based on a cocktail of these proteins would be.

Objective: This abstract examines the interrelationship of climate change and dairy production systems, highlighting its impact on ongoing climate shifts. While the dairy industry is recognized for contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, there remains a critical knowledge gap regarding the sensitivity and susceptibility of these systems in the framework of global warming. This assessment emphasizes the multifaceted effects and formidable challenges that emerge from climate change's impact on dairy cows, particularly in Fiji. The escalating occurrence of heat stress among dairy cows, a direct consequence of rising temperatures and altered climatic patterns, is of paramount concern. The intricate relationship between climate variables and dairy cow well-being, particularly milk production, emerges as a central focal point. By spotlighting the ramifications of climate change on dairy cattle in Fiji, this abstract seeks to elevate the discourse on sustainable dairy farming practices and underscores the urgent need to develop adaptive strategies to address these challenges. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework centres on the impact of climate change on dairy production systems, particularly focusing on heat stress among dairy cows in Fiji. It considers the interconnections between climate variables, such as temperature fluctuations and atmospheric CO₂ levels, and their effects on milk production, feed quality, water availability, and disease prevalence. This framework builds on climate change models (like those from the IPCC) and agricultural adaptation theories to explore how these environmental factors disrupt dairy farming operations and animal health. Method: The paper synthesizes findings from existing literature and research, using a literature review methodology. It compiles data and insights from various studies on climate change's effects on livestock, drawing from regional and international studies to understand how climate shifts impact dairy cows. The method involves analyzing specific impacts on feed, water usage, disease dynamics, and heat stress, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of how these factors interact under Fiji's unique climate conditions. Results and Discussion: Impact on Feed and Water: The paper highlights that higher temperatures and CO₂ levels affect the quality and quantity of forage, with implications for feed availability and livestock diet. Increased water demand under heat stress also puts pressure on water resources, critical for dairy cows’ hydration and metabolic processes. Disease and Heat Stress: Rising temperatures are linked to increased disease susceptibility and vector-borne diseases in livestock. Heat stress is particularly detrimental, reducing milk production and reproductive efficiency. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Dairy cows contribute to methane and nitrous oxide emissions, exacerbating climate change. The study discusses how dairy farming in Fiji must balance productivity with reducing its environmental footprint. Adaptation Strategies: Suggested strategies include altering feed practices, adopting new management systems (like agroforestry), and improving shelter and cooling systems to reduce heat stress and its impacts on dairy production. Research Implications: The research provides important insights into sustainable dairy farming in Fiji. Its findings encourage policies and practices focused on climate adaptation, especially in mitigating heat stress and water scarcity issues. By emphasizing the need for climate-resilient livestock management, the study calls for continued research and investment in sustainable agriculture to secure Fiji's dairy industry against climate-related disruptions. Originality/Value: This study uniquely examines the specific effects of climate change on dairy cows in Fiji, a region often overlooked in global agricultural research. Its value lies in highlighting the vulnerabilities of Pacific Island livestock systems to climate change, offering targeted recommendations for resilience-building in dairy production under changing environmental conditions.