Caused by Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides , the disease is endemic in Africa, problematic in Asia, and sporadic in southern Europe. Mortality can range between 10 and 70 percent, significant considering that it is not believed to be highly contagious. First signs of illness are loss of appetite and fever, followed by coughing, increased respiratory rate and pain in the chest area and joints.
Prevention is by vaccine and careful control on imported animals.
The disease has not been recorded in humans.