Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects small ruminant animals, such as sheep and goats. The disease is caused by the Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV), which belongs to the Morbillivirus genus in the family Paramyxoviridae. PPR primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems of infected animals.
The initial symptoms of PPR include fever, nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, and labored breathing. As the disease progresses, animals may exhibit diarrhea, oral lesions, and dehydration. PPR can have a high mortality rate, especially in young animals, with death typically occurring within a few days to weeks after infection.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or their body fluids, as well as through contaminated feed, water, and fomites. It can also be transmitted by respiratory droplets from infected animals. PPR is prevalent in many countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and the food security of affected regions.
Prevention and control measures for PPR include vaccination, strict biosecurity protocols, movement restrictions, and promoting public awareness. Vaccination campaigns are crucial in reducing the spread of the disease and protecting susceptible populations. Surveillance programs are also vital for early detection and containment of outbreaks.
Efforts to control and eradicate PPR have gained global attention, with initiatives from organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) working towards the eradication of PPR by 2030.
