Development and validation of a one-step RT-ddPCR assay for sensitive and absolute quantification of foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA in probang fluid.

Esculetin inhibits PRV replication by suppressing activation of the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB pathway.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), caused by the FMD virus (FMDV), is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease of cloven-hooved animals that causes significant economic losses worldwide, including in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess FMDV antibodies and associated risk factors among sheep and goats in selected districts of Bangladesh. The present study was conducted from July to December 2023 in three districts of Dhaka Division in Bangladesh to assess the seroprevalence of FMDV in unvaccinated sheep and goats. For this, a total of 372 (n=372) blood samples were collected aseptically for serum separation and tested for antibodies against FMDV-nonstructural protein (NSP) using a commercially available ELISA kit. The hypothesized risk factors data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed via chi-square tests and logistic regression models to identify their association with FMD seropositivity. Overall seroprevalence of FMDV was 20.97% (78/372); sheep 50.0% (20/40), goats 17.5% (58/332). Firth's penalized multivariable logistic regression identified species (sheep) (AOR=17.2, 95% CI=6.77-48.2, p<0.001), district (Narsingdi) (AOR=0.32, 95% CI=0.13-0.7, p<0.001), (Gazipur) (AOR=17.1, 95% CI=5.21-69, p<0.001), feeding system (grazing) (AOR=9.53, 95% CI=3.45-29.6, p<0.001), river-basin ecology (AOR=6.32, 95% CI=2.09-22.8, p<0.001), and animal introduction (AOR=2.33, 95% CI=1.02-5.45, p=0.044) as independent risk factors for FMD seropositivity. This study observed a high seroprevalence of FMDV in sheep and goats within the Dhaka division and highlights the need for broader and routine surveillance of FMD in small ruminants across Bangladesh, alongside cattle and buffaloes, to better understand its epidemiology and inform control strategies.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to small ruminant livestock production. The protective humoral immunity against Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is mainly mediated by the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein. To elucidate the functional antigenic determinants of the PPRV HN protein, we developed a new monoclonal antibody (mAb), HN1D4-4D9. Epitope mapping analysis revealed that HN1D4-4D9 recognized a novel, conserved epitope (380ECLVEACK387), including a linear epitope (381CLVEACK387), and a conformational epitope (380ECLVEA385) across multiple PPRV genotypes. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis identified key residues within the conserved linear and conformational epitopes of the PPRV HN protein. Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated the high-affinity binding of the identified HN epitope peptide to HN1D4-4D9. Using virus pre-treatment and virus-antibody mixture neutralizing assays, HN1D4-4D9 exhibited potent neutralizing activity in vitro, whereas the post-attachment assay showed that HN1D4-4D9 was ineffective after virus binding to cells, underscoring that the antibody acts at the viral adsorption stage. Mechanistically, quantitative real-time PCR and competitive co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that HN1D4-4D9 blocks viral adsorption by preventing HN interaction with the receptors SLAM and nectin-4, rather than by interfering with the fusion protein. Further biochemical assays revealed that several amino acid residues within the novel epitope are critical for the interaction with both receptors. These findings identify a critical neutralizing epitope on PPRV HN, provide mechanistic insights into antibody-mediated viral inhibition, and support the potential application of HN1D4-4D9 as a candidate for epitope-based vaccine optimization, development of entry-targeted antiviral drugs, and diagnostic and prophylactic strategies for controlling PPR.IMPORTANCEPeste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a highly contagious morbillivirus that causes severe disease in sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to global small ruminant production. Viral entry is initiated by the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein through its interaction with host receptors. In this study, we identified a novel monoclonal antibody, HN1D4-4D9, that targets a highly conserved neutralizing epitope (380ECLVEACK387) on the PPRV HN protein and exhibits potent in vitro antiviral activity. Mechanistically, HN1D4-4D9 blocks viral adsorption by preventing HN engagement with the critical cellular receptors SLAM and nectin-4, thereby inhibiting infection at the earliest stage of the viral life cycle. These findings define a key functional neutralizing site on HN and provide essential insights into the molecular basis of PPRV entry and antibody-mediated inhibition. The identified epitope represents a promising target for next-generation epitope-based vaccines and entry-targeted antiviral therapeutics. In addition, HN1D4-4D9 may have potential applications in passive immunoprophylaxis, diagnostics, and studies of PPRV pathogenesis.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease affecting small ruminants, with significant socio-economic consequences in areas such as Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. This sero-monitoring study was conducted in Yabello, Taltale, and Elwaya districts of Borana zone to evaluate the Post-vaccination immunity status of local sheep and goats against PPR. Three stage sampling methods were used to select peasant associations (PA), villages and individual animals. A total of 901 sera samples were collected from 578 to 323 vaccinated goats and sheep, respectively. Competitive ELISA was employed as a tool of diagnosis. An overall sero-conversion rate of 93.23% (95% CI: 91.40%-94.69%) was recorded. Statistically significant differences in sero-conversion were observed across age groups (higher in small ruminants > 2 years; P = 0.001; odds ratio = 3.35) and history of movement (higher in those having no history of migration; P = 0.04; odds ratio = 2.15). However, no significant differences were observed among species (P = 0.95; odds ratio = 1.02), sex groups (P = 0.16; odds ratio = 2), districts (P = 0.23; odds ratio = 1.66), and timing between vaccination and sampling for sero-monitoring (P = 0.06; odds ratio = 2.18). The findings suggest the effectiveness of the vaccination program. The development of protective immunity in substantial proportion of goats and sheep after vaccination confirmed successful induction of flock immunity. Developing a strategy to track and manage the movement of small ruminants to minimize the introduction of unvaccinated animal is suggested.

Preparing for exotic foot-and-mouth disease virus outbreaks in the European neighbourhood: cross-neutralisation of internationally available vaccines against South American serotype O and serotype A field isolates.

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease and remains a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Molecular surveillance of measles virus (MV) is used for tracing transmission chains, by, for instance, distinguishing between repeated introductions and endemic circulation. WHO guidelines used in the global measles surveillance network recommend sequencing of a 450-nucleotide region at the C-terminal end of the N-gene (N450). Given the limited genetic variability of MV, whole-genome sequencing would increase the resolution and provide a more detailed molecular surveillance of circulating MV. In this study, we describe an amplicon-based nanopore sequencing protocol for generating near complete whole MV genome sequences (nWGS; 15,813 nucleotides). We applied this protocol to samples collected during an epidemic of measles in the Netherlands in 2013-2014, involving an estimated 30,000 cases, to quantify the sequence variation of nWGS during this epidemic. While this was considered an epidemic with very limited sequence variation based on analysis of the N450 region, different molecular clusters were identified by phylogenetic analysis of nWGS genomes. Notably, the number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) between viruses detected during the early and late phase of the epidemic varied among molecular clusters. Four epidemiological clusters could be identified in the beginning of the epidemic, of which 2 were supported by molecular data. Analysis of nWGS genomes suggested that the epidemic started with either a single unnoticed introduction into the Netherlands and a few unnoticed generations or with at least 2 introductions at the same time, the latter option is supported by epidemiological data. These results can aid in interpreting MV sequence variation during transmission chains, outbreaks and epidemics in countries or regions approaching measles elimination.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs that cause high mortality and threatens the swine industry. In Benin where the virus was first identified in 1997, epidemiological data remain limited. This study assessed potential factors associated with reported ASF occurrence in pig farms in southern Benin using 42 questions survey administered to 215 pig farms. Data collected followed descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Of the surveyed farms, 100 reported at least one ASF outbreak between 1998 and 2020. Univariate analysis identified several risk factors, including raising local pigs (OR = 2.4), urban farm location (OR = 2.09), purchasing pigs for herd renewal (OR = 1.93), and the presence of ticks (OR = 2.34). Protective factors included farm with a fence (OR = 0.44), gates (OR = 0.53), restricted farm access (OR = 0,5), raising improved pigs (OR = 0.42), confinement system (OR = 0.32), on-site staff (OR = 0.24), and daily slurry collection (OR = 0.45). Multivariate analysis showed that purchasing pigs for herd renewal was the primary risk factor (OR = 3.25), while tick presence on farms (adjusted OR = 2.197) remained positively associated and daily slurry collection (OR = 0.378) was protective. These results indicate that animal introduction practices and farm hygiene are key drivers of ASF risk. Strengthening biosecurity particularly controlling pig purchases and improving sanitation can significantly reduce ASF occurrence in southern Benin.

Peste des Petits Ruminants is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 across four districts of the Union Territory of Puducherry, namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, to determine the serological and molecular status of the Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus. A total of 665 serum samples and 459 nasal swabs were collected from sheep and goats. Screening of small ruminant was using competitive ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence of 33.98%, with district level estimates of 34.5% in Puducherry, 31% in Karaikal, 28.2% in Mahe and 52.8% in Yanam. Antigen detection through sandwich ELISA identified two positive nasal swab samples, one from Yanam and one from Puducherry, and both samples were confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT PCR). Sequencing of the N gene showed 91.45% identity between the two isolates. Phylogenetic analysis placed both isolates within lineage IV, which remains the predominant lineage circulating in India. These findings emphasize the need for sustained vaccination, continuous molecular surveillance and routine monitoring of subclinical infections to support Peste des Petits Ruminants control and eradication efforts in Puducherry.

Avian influenza, especially highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, can cause a highly contagious airborne disease that poses a significant public health threat. The development of a multivalent vaccine is very important to control these viral infections. In this study, we have developed a multivalent vaccine that simultaneously targets two critical HPAI H5N1 surface viral proteins and fully protects against highly pathogenic H5N1 infection in a mouse model. This study provides convincing evidence for the effectiveness of a multivalent vaccine against highly pathogenic influenza A viruses.

The H1N1 influenza, a highly contagious acute respiratory disease, causes a significant burden on public health, especially during the winter season when the number of cases surges. Emergency department nurses, who are on the frontline of patient care during this period, are exposed to high - stress situations, increasing their risk of developing post - traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the status of PTSD among them and its influencing factors is crucial for safeguarding their mental health and ensuring quality healthcare. This study aims to investigate the status of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency department nurses in multiple tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China during the winter H1N1 influenza season and analyze its influencing factors. A cross - sectional study design was adopted from October 2023 to December 2023. A total of 116 emergency department nurses from multiple tertiary hospitals in Shanghai were selected as research subjects using cluster sampling during the peak period of winter H1N1 influenza. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used for data collection. PTSD was defined as IES-R score ≥ 35, and participants were grouped as PTSD positive or negative. The relationship between PTSD and occupational burnout, coping styles, psychological resilience, and social support was analyzed. Among the 116 participants, the rate of PTSD positivity was 44.86% (48/107). The MBI scores in all dimensions were significantly higher in the PTSD positive group compared to the PTSD negative group. The positive coping scores in the SCSQ were lower in the positive group, while the negative coping scores were higher. The CD-RISC scores in all dimensions were significantly lower in the PTSD positive group, as were the SSRS scores in all dimensions. Higher emotional exhaustion was significantly associated with increased odds of PTSD (OR = 1.16), indicating that for each one-point increase in emotional exhaustion, the odds of PTSD increased by 16%. Greater reliance on negative coping strategies was also independently associated with PTSD (OR = 1.23). In contrast, higher levels of optimism (a resilience factor) and greater subjective social support were protective, significantly lowering the odds of PTSD (OR = 0.76 and OR = 0.70, respectively). The occurrence of PTSD among emergency department nurses during the winter H1N1 influenza season is considerable and closely related to occupational burnout, psychological resilience, coping styles, and social support. These findings highlight the urgent need for attention to this issue. However, this study has several limitations. The sample was only from top - tier hospitals in Shanghai during the winter influenza season, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Also, relying on self-reported questionnaires may be subject to recall bias and self - reporting subjectivity.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease affecting both free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa) and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). In accordance with EU regulations, an ASF outbreak in pig farms necessitates immediate herd culling, leading to severe economic losses and restrictions on pork exports. Therefore, effective epidemiological surveillance of wild boar populations is crucial for monitoring the spread of the disease in the natural environment and preventing transmission to domestic pig farms. This study assessed the effectiveness of an ASF surveillance system consisting of the AtraxASF (unmanned aerial vehicle) and the NeoxASF (fixed-wing aircraft), both equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The study was conducted in Mielec County, Subcarpathian Province, an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks. The proposed surveillance system was used to observe wild boars and identify individuals exhibiting elevated body temperature, which is the earliest detectable symptom of ASF infection. The thermal imaging technology allowed for real-time detection and mapping of potentially infected animals. The system successfully detected wild boars with increased body temperature, demonstrating its potential utility for early detection of ASF in wildlife populations. The application of drone- and aircraft-based monitoring significantly enhanced surveillance efficiency by providing a rapid, non-invasive approach to assessing the health status of wild boar populations in affected areas. The implementation of drone-based surveillance systems and thermal imaging technologies offers a highly effective alternative to traditional epidemiological monitoring methods. The system enhances early detection capabilities, enabling quicker response measures to prevent the spread of ASF to pig farms. Integrating such technologies into existing biosecurity strategies could play a key role in controlling ASF outbreaks and minimizing economic losses in the pig farming sector.

Influenza virus-induced pneumonia (IVP) is a contagious lung disease marked by severe lung inflammation following viral infection and remains a significant public health concern due to its high mortality rate. G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases, however, its role in influenza virus-induced lung inflammation remains poorly understood. In this study, using high-throughput screening, we found that Influenza A virus (IAV) infection markedly upregulates the expression of several G protein-coupled receptors, with GPR84 mRNA and protein levels being highly induced in the lungs of animal models during pneumonia. Mechanistically, GPR84 enhances ZBP1-PANoptosome mediated PANoptosis and exacerbates the release of inflammatory chemokines and danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Notably, deletion of GPR84 attenuates influenza virus-induced PANoptosis, indicating that GPR84 participates in regulating lung inflammation and the pathogenesis of pneumonia during influenza infection. Overall, these findings demonstrate that GPR84 plays a central role in influenza virus-induced lung inflammation by promoting PANoptosis and the release of inflammatory mediators. Targeting GPR84 attenuates IAV-induced PANoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target to mitigate the pathogenesis of influenza virus-induced pneumonia.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV) is a highly contagious disease that severely threatens the global pig industry. A significant symptom of PRRS is severe pneumonia. At present, studies have shown that IL-1β is upregulated by PRRSV infection in vivo and in vitro, while the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we explored how PRRSV regulated IL-1β production. We found that HP-PRRSV nsp1 upregulated the expression of IL-1β. Overexpression of nsp1 induced IL-1β production in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, we demonstrated that nsp1 enhanced IL-1β expression by activating JNK/p38 signaling pathways, as the addition of p38 and JNK inhibitors reduced IL-1β production induced by nsp1. Moreover, deleting the AP-1 binding motif in porcine IL-1β promoter impaired IL-1β expression induced by nsp1, suggesting that AP-1 is essential for IL-1β production. In addition, we showed that TRAF6 was required for nsp1 to activate the TAK1/JNK/p38/AP-1 signaling pathway by interacting with each other. Truncation and deletion mutation analysis indicated that R308 and R375 amino acids were important for nsp1 to interact with TRAF6 and induce IL-1β production. Finally, we constructed the recombinant viruses mutated at R308 and R375 and found that the mutated virus PRRSV-R308/375A exhibited a significantly reduced replication rate and impaired the ability to induce IL-1β compared to the wild-type strain. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of IL-1β production induced by PRRSV and help us further understand the pathogenesis of PRRSV infection.IMPORTANCEHighly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) has been prevalent in China since 2006, causing severe pneumonia in pigs. IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted by various cells. In this study, we demonstrated that PRRSV protein nsp1 interacted with TRAF6 to activate the TAK1/JNK/p38/AP-1 signaling pathway, consequently inducing the expression of IL-1β. Additionally, our findings revealed that R308 and R375 in nsp1 were critical amino acid residues for nsp1 to interact with TRAF6 and induce IL-1β production. Notably, the recombinant virus PRRSV-R308/375A exhibited a significantly reduced replication rate and impaired ability to induce proinflammatory cytokines in vitro compared to the wild-type strain HP-PRRSV. This study helps us further understand HP-PRRSV pathogenesis and provides a new idea for the development of PRRSV vaccines.

African swine fever (ASFV) leads a highly contagious and lethal hemorrhagic disease, causing a huge economic loss to the global pig industry. Recently, lethal genotype I/II recombinants were isolated and characterized in China and Vietnam. To differentiate the three genotypes (I, II and I/II recombinants) of ASFV in China, a triplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed by targeting B646L, A151R and MGF360-14L genes. The detection limitation for the A151R, MGF360-14L, and B646L genes were 10 copies/μl, demonstrating a high sensitivity. Meanwhile, no cross-reactivity was observed with nucleic acids from ASFV genotype I and II or other swine viruses, confirming a high specificity for this assay. The coefficient of assay variation was below 2%, indicating an excellent repeatability. Importantly, when piglets were challenged with ASFV genotype I/II recombinant virus, the method could be used to detect the virus shedding as early as 3 dpi. In summary, a highly sensitive and specific detection method was established, which holds significant potential for rapid diagnosis and early warning of ASFV genotype I/II recombinant infection.

Though advances in technologies have created an arena for multiple vaccinology platforms, the world population is still facing health challenges from the deadliest pathogens with a high mutation rate and their tremendous ability of immune evasion. Presently, there is a constant exigence to shift the vaccine development efforts from traditional vaccines to broad-spectrum vaccines for the effective prevention of contagious diseases. Using several databases, a comprehensive systematic review of the literature pertinent to this article's discussion was carried out. The present review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key characteristics and benefits of broad-spectrum vaccines over conventional vaccines. Further, it unveils the diverse range of broad-spectrum vaccines that have been developed so far, in addition to those that are currently under pre-clinical and clinical studies. Along with the illustration of the obstacles and possibilities concerned with their safety profile and viability of development, it also examines their potential for further research. The development of broad-spectrum vaccines benefits greatly from the combination of several immunisation strategies. The scope and effectiveness of broadspectrum vaccinations have been shown to be greatly increased by combining various vaccination tactics, such as using multiple immunisation techniques, multivalent antigens, or heterologous boosters. The development and practical validation of broad-spectrum vaccines have been impeded thus far by biological complexity (rapid pathogen evolution, immune imprinting, host variability), logistical limitations, and regulatory frameworks intended for strain-specific products, leaving the majority of candidates at preclinical stages. To turn promising ideas into gradual, population-level protection, policy support, and focused research improving evaluation techniques, altering regulatory pathways, and advancing mRNA, multiepitope, and T-cell approaches are required.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed livestock, causing substantial economic losses. It is caused by an Aphthovirus under the family Picornaviridae. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Bangladesh, evaluate the influence of meteorological factors, and forecast future disease trends. FMD cases and meteorological variables were obtained from DLS and BMD, respectively. Spatial autocorrelation metrics, including Getis-Ord Gi*, Moran's I, LISA, and inverse distance weighting, were applied to identify disease clusters and risk zones. Correlation and regression analyses identified significant associations between FMD incidence and climatic factors. Relative humidity and temperature exhibited positive correlations with disease occurrence. Additionally, regression modeling revealed that both relative humidity and wind speed had a significant impact on FMD incidence. Predictive models, including ARIMA, Random Forest, and XGBoost, were applied, with XGBoost providing the most accurate forecasts (RMSE = 153.64), followed by Random Forest and ARIMA. FMD incidence peaked in March, with persistent southeastern hotspots and emerging northern clusters. IDW mapping showed elevated risk in southern regions, particularly during the pre-monsoon period, influenced by climatic factors. These insights can inform targeted surveillance and control strategies to mitigate the burden of FMD in Bangladesh.

Development of a quantum dot-based immunochromatographic test strip for rapid detection of infectious bursal disease virus.

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal, hemorrhagic, and highly contagious infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). At present, ASFV has evolved into multiple variant strains with different levels of virulence in China, complicating the epidemiological landscape. In the absence of effective commercial vaccines, the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic methods has become a critical priority for epidemic prevention and control. In this study, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated by immunizing mice with inactivated ASFV. Nine newly identified mAbs targeting the p72 protein were screened to establish a colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip for ASFV detection combined with 11 previously characterized anti‐p72 mAbs developed in our laboratory. Cross‐pairing analysis was subsequently performed to identify the optimal antibody combination. Based on this evaluation, ASFV‐3 and P72‐6 were selected as the gold‐conjugated antibody and capture antibody, respectively. The assay demonstrated the capacity to effectively detect diverse ASFV genotypes, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 102.50 TCID50 per reaction against genotype Ⅰ and Ⅱ ASFVs. No cross‐reactivity was observed with five common swine pathogens including PCV, PRRSV, PRV, PEDV, and TGEV. The concordance rate with the results from commercially available test strips was 93.33%. In conclusion, a rapid, sensitive, and highly specific colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip targeting the ASFV p72 protein was successfully developed. This method is simple to operate, does not require specialized equipment, and is suitable for on‐site detection, providing a valuable tool for field surveillance and early diagnosis of ASF.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a severe, contagious, and transboundary viral disease of goats, sheep, camels, and wild small ruminants in more than 70 countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 to assess the seroprevalence of PPR and investigate risk factors of the disease in the West Arsi and West Hararghe zones. A total of 751 serum samples were collected from 398 goats and 353 sheep of 422 flocks found in six districts of the two zones that had not a history of PPR vaccination. A hemagglutinin-based blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the serum for antibodies against PPR. A structured questionnaire survey was used to determine potential risk factors of the disease. The overall PPR seroprevalence in the West Arsi and West Hararghe zones was 9.7% at the flock level (95% CI: 7.1-12.9) and 5.9% at the animal level (95% CI: 4.4-7.8). At the species level, the seroprevalence of PPR was found to be 5.3% in goats (95% CI: 3.5-8.0) and 6.5% in sheep (95% CI: 4.4-9.6). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that a geographic zone was a significant predictor of PPR infection in goats and at the flock level. Flocks in the West Hararghe Zone were 4.5 times more likely to be seropositive than those in West Arsi (95% CI: 2.0-9.8, p < 0.001). Age was a significant predictor of PPR exposure in both goats and sheep, whereas altitude was specifically a risk factor in sheep. The present study findings indicate a generally low PPR seroprevalence in both goats and sheep in the study areas. However, the disease was present in 20 out of the 26 kebeles (wards) surveyed, showing ongoing circulation. Therefore, vaccination campaigns should be expanded to cover both zones, with emphasis on West Hararghe. A further study is recommended to identify the influence of agroecology on PPR persistence and transmission.