Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
Causative Agent
• The virus belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae.
• It is similar to the rinderpest virus. There is a cross-immunity relationship between them, meaning that infection with one confers immunity against the other.
• The virus is very sensitive and cannot survive outside the animal’s body for more than a few hours. It is affected by heat, sunlight, acids, and disinfectants such as phenol and formalin.
Transmission
• The virus is found in animal secretions: nasal secretions, tears, saliva, and diarrheal feces.
• It is transmitted through direct contact between animals or by inhaling virus-contaminated droplets.
• It can also be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes.
• The disease is more prevalent in humid areas and during the rainy season.
Susceptible Animals
• The most susceptible animals are goats and sheep aged 5–7 months.
• Young and newborn animals are less susceptible.
• It may also affect some ruminants.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear acutely, especially in lambs and kids, and include:
• High fever (sudden onset of fever).
• Nasal and ocular discharge that starts watery and then becomes mucopurulent.
• Mouth inflammation: ulcers on the gums, tongue, and lips.
• Severe, watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, leading to dehydration and emaciation.
• Cough and difficulty breathing due to pneumonia.
• General weakness, loss of appetite, and death in severe cases within 5–10 days.
Diagnosis
• Clinically: Based on characteristic symptoms.
• Laboratory: Using techniques such as ELISA or PCR to detect the virus.
• It must be differentiated from similar diseases: rinderpest, enterotoxemia, intestinal parasites, and poisoning.
Prevention and Control
• Vaccination with live attenuated vaccine:
• The most important method of control, providing strong immunity for several years. • Isolation: Isolate infected animals and dispose of carcasses safely.
• Disinfection: Use effective disinfectants (phenol, formalin, lime).
• Preventing mixing: Minimize animal movement between pens and areas.
• Early detection of any infections
Conclusion:
• This disease is serious and spreads rapidly in sheep and goats.
• Regular vaccination is the fundamental solution for control, along with the application of biosecurity measures.
The live attenuated vaccine is available from Al-Kindi Company with the solvent. It boasts high efficacy and stable immunity against the disease.