Development of a novel diagnostic test for Contagious Bovine/Caprine Pleuropneumonia disease

Livestock provide an invaluable source of protein to developing nations. In Africa, livestock also play a crucial role in developing economies with 80% of farmland being managed by small-holding farms (FAO, 2008). Outbreak of disease can have a catastrophic impact to African farmers, having both financial and nutritional consequences. A UK-Kenyan consortium has been formed to tackle Contagious Bovine/Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP/CCPP) - a highly contagious disease causing the suffering and mortality of cattle and goats in developing countries. The aim of this project is to develop a new diagnostic test which will allow for early detection of infected animals to prevent further disease spread throughout the herd. The consortium is composed of CIEL; an UK Agri-tech centre of livestock research excellence, Sidai; a social enterprise company based in Kenya who aim to provide livestock centres of excellence and Biotangents; a UK start-up company with exciting new diagnostic technologies to facilitate early detection of disease causing microbes. The funding of this project will allow crucial work to take place to develop an early stage prototype, which if successful, will be further funded by private investment.