Background

Peste des petits ruminants is a contagious viral disease of small ruminants caused by peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The disease was first reported in 1942 in Cote-d'Ivoire. The disease mostly affects sheep and goat, causing up to 100% mortality in fully susceptible herds. The disease is prevalent in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey and south, central and East Asia. In India, PPR was first reported in 1987, and since then, the disease is endemic. After that, PPR outbreaks were reported from Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram states of India. PPR incidences naturally occur in animals belonging to the subfamily Caprinae& Antilopinae of family Bovidae. Since its detection, PPRV spread has dramatically increased, and the reason is yet to be determined. Several factors, like cross-protection, inconsistent and uncoordinated vaccination, and neglect by regional/state/national governments and research groups, are considered playing a role. Near to 50% of the small ruminants are under threat by PPRV globally. PPRV is also known as "Goat Plague" and resembles clinically with Rinderpest in cattle; the latter is characterized by oculo-nasal discharges, by infected animals showing no symptoms. PPRV is liable to temperature and is inactivated in a dry environment outside the host. Animals once infected and recovered, develop life long immunity. Though virus transmits to animals in mild virulent form but can later cause severe disease when transmitted to susceptible native populations. For effective control of PPR, accurate diagnostic, mass screening, and timely availability of vaccine and vaccination of susceptible populations are required. Further, disease registry both at the national and state level is needed for monitoring outbreak occurrence. These data would provide an assessment of the vaccination status of animals. Currently, in India, three live attenuated PPR vaccines (Sungri 96, Arasur 87, and Coimbatore 97 stains) are available. The PPR vaccine Sungri 96 strain developed by IVRI Mukteshwar has undergone extensive field trials. The PPR vaccine strains belong to Asian lineage IV and are sufficient to protect the disease. These vaccines can be used to control and eradicate PPR from India and other countries.

Cause

A virus disease caused by Peste des petits ruminants virus, a morbillivirus

Host Species

Sheep and Goat

• Contact: Close contact with an infected animal or contaminated fomites
• All excretions and secretions from body especially in diarrheic feces are the potential source of infection.
• Inhalation is also a mean of transmission.
• The disease is also transmitted through the conjunctiva and oral mucosa.

• The disease is very acute in goats.
• Initially, there is high rise of temperature, dullness, sneezing and serous discharge from the eyes and nose.
• Difficulty in respiration is common.
• Necrotic lesions are seen in the mouth and subsequently spread to the entire oral mucosa with foul smelling.
• Difficulty in eating food due to sore mouth and swollen lips
• Profuse diarrhea with mucoid discharge & blood after 3-4 days of fever
• Erosions are seen in the vulva and prepuce.
• Animals abort fetuses in at the time of outbreaks.
• Animal die within 1 week of the onset of illness if not treated.

Management

(T)No specific treatment is there for PPR. Only following supportive treatment will help.

• Fluid and electrolyte therapy to correct dehydration
• Antibiotic is prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Lesions around the eyes, nostrils and mouth should be cleaned and dressed with antiseptics.
• Good nursing is essential.

Preventive measures

• Infected animals exhibiting symptoms should be isolated from healthy animals.
• Screening of newly purchased animals for PPR from government recognized agencies will prevent the entry of infection in the farm.
• The newly purchased animals must be kept in quarantine. The time will usually range from 20 to 30 days.

Control

• Regular vaccination is the only effective way to control the disease.

Type of vaccines

Live virus vaccine Sungri/96 strain

Vaccination schedule

Vaccination against PPR is recommended to sheep and goat at the age of 4-6 months of age and gives protection up to 3 years.

Dose

1mL S/C route or following manufacturer's instructions

Note: Deworming is must at least 15 days before vaccination

Source/manufacturer of vaccine in India

Indian Immunologicals, Hyderabad (Telangana)

Hester Bioscience Ltd., Ahmedabad (Gujrat)

Biomed Pvt. Ltd., Gaziabad (Uttar Pradesh)