PREVALENCE OF PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS (PPR) INFECTION IN SINDH PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN- A ONE YEAR STUDY

Abstract

The current study was carried out in twenty-six (26) districts of Sindh province of Pakistan, including six districts of Karachi for determination of different epidemiological parameters and nature of the Peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV) in sheep and goats. A total of 847 outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) were investigated in twenty-six (26) districts of Sindh province during the year 2016. The highest 27.51% of PPR disease outbreaks were recorded in Matiari district. The shortest (05 days) length of PPR disease outbreak was observed in the Umerkot district, while the longest (62 days) outbreak duration was observed in district Larkana. Clinical investigation of the affected animals discovered high body temperature ranging between 102.2°F107.6°F, conjunctivitis, mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharges beside with a cough and diarrhea. The necrotic mouth abrasions were found in all the sick animals. Red inflamed areas were found on the lower gums, the inner side of upper and lower lips with the dorsal side of the tongue. Statistical analysis of the ELISA results between different age groups with ANOVA reveals no significance. The results from the current study indicated that the PPR infection is endemic in the province. It was concluded from the study that there is the urgent need of a comprehensive strategy to improve the disease reporting through active surveillance activities, vaccination, disease awareness and quarantine guidelines are crucial to reduce economic losses and the socio-economic impact of livestock farmers especially subsistence farmers. Keywords: Small ruminants’ diseases, PPR, ELISA.