Peste Des Petits Ruminants Infection Research Articles

Seroprevalence of PPR in Goats of Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park

A study conducted from September to December 2019 aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in goats residing in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park. A total of 221 serum samples were collected from unvaccinated goat flocks across the buffer zone regions (48 from Bhojad, 64 from Bhandara, 66 from Padampur, 25 from Gondrang, and 18 from Kathar) using random sampling techniques. Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed to detect antibodies against the PPR virus (PPRV). The study revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 28.96%. The highest seroprevalence rate of 39.58% was observed in goats from Bhojad, while the lowest rate of 15.63% was found in goats from Bhandara. The findings emphasize the need for regular vaccination of small ruminants in Bhojad, Padampur, and Kathar to enhance immunity and prevent PPR infection. Additionally, such measures can help mitigate the transmission of PPR between goats and wild animals as they share common grazing lands.

Sero-Prevalence of Peste Des Petits Ruminants Among Goats of Different Zones of District Thatta, Sindh

Introduction: Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and viraldisease primarily affecting goats and sheep, caused by the PPR virus (PPRV), which belongs tothe family paramyxoviridae, and genus morbillivirus. Methodology: A total of 100 bloodsamples (female n=67 and male n=33) of goats from different areas of Thatta district werecollected. Risk factors like area, age, sex and season were analyzed. Clinically affected animalsexhibited high temperature (41oC), anorexia, dullness, lacrimal secretions, and nasal dischargediahhrea starting from 2 to 6 days post infection, hair blow the eyes becomes wet and there ismatting together of the eyelids as well as partial blockage of the nostrils by dried up purulentdischarges. Samples were transported to Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL)Tandojam, Sindh for laboratory confirmation. The competitive ELISA was performed to measureantibodies to the PPR virus. Results: The sero-positivity of PPR cases in female were 76.12%(51/67) and male 51.52% (17/33). The highest sero-prevalence was observed in age group of 4-12month 75.56% (34/45). Lowest sero-prevalence was detected in age group of 0-4 month 47.83%(11/23). Highest prevalence of PPR infections were observed in the month of August 70%(21/30), followed by 69.04% (29/42) in the September, the lowest prevalence was 64.28% (18/28)in the July. Conclusion: It is concluded from the present study that female animals were moreaffected than males. The higher infection was recorded during the August. Comparatively, younganimals were more affected than the suckler and adults.

Clinical Manifestation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Local Iraqi Breed Sheep in Al-Diwaniyah Province.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a contagious virus that infects sheep and goats, damages livestock globally. This study examined the clinical features and phylogenetic analysis of the PPR virus in Iraqi breed sheep from Al-Diwaniyah province. A clinical trial of 610 sheep from different flocks found 150 oral lesions. Special primers for RT-PCR and Mega11 for phylogenetic analysis were used to study the PPR virus nucleoprotein (N) gene. The PPR infection rate was 44.6% in 4-12 month olds (n = 33/131) and 4.8% in 36-48 month olds (n = 3/75). A 608-bp PPR virus partial N gene sequence was found in 49.3% of samples by RT-PCR. In leucine, isoleucine, proline, glycine, alanine, glutamine, asparagine, threonine, serine, arginine, and lysine codons, 25 amino acid alterations were found. The protein codon 56 alanine-valine alteration was most significant. Moving from a smaller hydrophobic amino acid to one with a bigger side chain may reduce protein stability. Steric hindrance or protein shape change from Valine's extended side chain may impact folding, stability, functionality, and interactions with other molecules. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that the Nigerian strain (MN271586) was most similar to our Iraqi strain, with 100% identity and coverage. This study found the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) virus in sheep flocks in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq, which is genetically similar to neighboring countries. PPR virus strains must be monitored and genetically characterized since N gene alterations can affect infection and propagation.

Modeling for Smart Vaccination against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national animal health plan aimed to control and eradicate PPR from the country by following the global PPR control and eradication strategy which adopts small ruminants' mass vaccination to eradicate the disease from the globe by 2030. A smart vaccination approach, which is less expensive and has longer-term sustainable benefits, is needed to accelerate the eradication of PPR. In this study, a mathematical algorithm was developed based on animals' identification and registration data, belonging to the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and other different parameters related to PPR risk occurrence. The latter included animal holding vaccination history, the number of animals per holding, forecasting of the number of animals and newborns per holding, the proximity of an animal holding to a PPR outbreak and the historical animal holding owner vaccination rejection attitude. The developed algorithm successfully prioritized animal holdings at risk of PPR infection within Abu Dhabi Emirate to be targeted by vaccination. This in turn facilitated the mobilization of field vaccination teams to target specific sheep and goat holdings to ensure the generation of immunity against the disease on a risk-based approach. The vaccination coverage of the targeted livestock population was increased to 86% and the vaccination rejection attitude was reduced by 35%. The duration of the vaccination campaign was reduced to 30 compared to 70 working days and hence can alleviate the depletion of human and logistic resources commonly used in classical mass vaccination campaigns. The results obtained from implementing the algorithm-based PPR vaccination campaign will reduce the negative impact of PPR on the UAE livestock sector and accelerate the achievement of the national PPR eradication plan requirements.

Development of Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Homologous Peptides as Novel Promising Therapeutic Agents Against Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus.

The lack of specific antiviral therapy and complications associated with the existing peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccines accentuates the search of novel antiviral blocking agents in order to curtail the PPR infection at initial level. The synthetic hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) homologous peptides may compete with the natural HN protein of PPR virus for binding to signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) receptor, consequently, may disrupt peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) at entry level. Therefore, insilico analysis, synthesis, purification and subsequent characterization of HN homologous peptides were conducted in this study. The HN homologous peptides were synthesized by means of solid phase chemistry and were purified by reversed-phase-high performance liquid chromatography. The mass as well as sequence of HN homologous peptides were assessed by mass spectroscopy while its secondary structure was elucidated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The binding (interaction) efficacy of HN homologous peptides with PPRV antibodies was assessed via indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, visual detection test (red wine to purple), bathochromic shift under UV-Vis spectrophotometry and lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test. The antiviral properties and cytotoxicity of these peptides were also assessed in B95a cell line with changes in cytopathic effect and titer of PPRV (Sungri/96). The presence of green fluorescein isothiocyanate over the B95a cell surface pointed towards the binding of HN homologous peptides with surface SLAM receptor. Moreover, the intact beta sheet configuration in water and lower cytotoxicity [cytotoxic concentration 50 (CC50) > 1000µg/ml] of these peptides signifies its in vivo use. Among HN homologous peptides, the binding efficacy and antiviral properties of pep A was relatively high in comparison to pep B and Pep ppr peptides. The prerequisite concentration of HN homologous peptides (pep A = 12.5µg/ml; pep B = 25µg/ml; pep ppr = 25µg/ml) to exemplify its antiviral effect was much lower than its CC50 level. Hence, this study signifies the therapeutic potential of synthetic HN homologous peptides.

Seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Coinfections in Goats in Kwale County, Kenya.

Goats are among the most important small ruminants affected by Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) diseases, two of the most significant constraints worldwide to the production of small ruminant species. Herein, the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) were used to determine the coinfections of PPR and CCPP in goats in Kwale County on Kenya's South Coast. A total of 368 serum samples were collected from goats of various ages and sexes exhibiting respiratory distress in the four subcounties of Kwale County (Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni) and screened for PPR and CCPP antibodies. Of the 368 goats sampled, 259 (70.4%) were females and 109 (29.6%) were males, and 126 (34.2%), 71 (19.3%), 108 (29.3%), and 63 (17.1%) samples were collected from Kinango, Matuga, Lunga Lunga, and Msambweni, respectively. The overall PPR seropositivity rate was 48.6% (179/368); rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 70.6%, 29.6%, 49.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. The overall CCPP seropositivity rate was 45.4% (167/368), while rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 51.6%, 49.1%, 36.6%, and 36.5%, respectively. Notably, the seropositivity of PPR was higher in male (53.3%) than in female (46.72%) goats, though not statistically significant. In addition, the CCPP seropositivity rates were not significantly different between male (44.0%) and female (45.9%) goats. Regarding age, the PPR seropositivity rates were 45.9%, 55.8%, and 52.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. For CCPP, the seropositivity rates were 48.3%, 40.4%, and 42.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. The coinfection rate of PPR and CCPP was 22.3% (82/368). Despite the high coinfection, univariate analysis revealed no relationship between PPR and CCPP infections. However, given the high PPR and CCPP infection rates, as a result of separate or coinfection, there is a need to upscale or intensify vaccination in the county.

Abortions in Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) infected flocks in Yola North of Adamawa and Askira Uba areas of Borno State, Nigeria

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats with as high as 90% morbidity and 80% mortality rates. Although, its substantial economic consequences are reported in goats worldwide, there are currently little information regarding abortion cases in PPR endemic areas in Nigeria. This study investigated occurrences of abortion among PPR infected goats in Yola North and Askira Uba local government areas of Adamawa and Borno States respectively. The study involved analysis of clinical case records of two thousand Sahel goats (n = 2000) procured as part of a livestock restocking program by a government agency. The goats were purchased from local markets and held in quarantine for 2 weeks during which PPR infection was monitored. In the study, a fast spreading infection characterized by severe dehydration, respiratory difficulty, pyrexia, depression, anorexia, nasal and ocular discharges and death of many infected goats informed a suspicion of PPR infection. The number of abortions, mortality and age of the animals were recorded during the investigation. Data were organized in a 2×2 contingency table and analyzed using Chi-square. The overall mortality in both populations was 42% and the occurrence of abortion was 1% and 3% in Yola North and Askira Uba holding sites respectively. The proportion of abortions did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between both populations but there was a positive association indicated as r = 0.4264 and 0.4638 between the occurrence of abortion and mortality in Yola North and Askira Uba holding sites respectively. In addition, the severity in clinical manifestation of the disease appeared higher in younger goats (< 1 years) than the adult ones. These findings suggest that PPR infection could be associated with abortions in goat flocks found in these PPR endemic areas.

Prevalence of peste des petits ruminants and concurrent hematological, liver and kidney function test of Black Bengal goats reared in Jaintapur, Sylhet district in Bangladesh

Hemato-biochemical parameters aid in the formulation of effective treatment and supportive therapy for infectious diseases of animals such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR). The present study investigated the prevalence of PPR in Black Bengal goats reared in Jaintapur, Sylhet and concurrent hematology, liver and kidney function tests of PPR infected goats. Information of PPR infected goats was recorded according to age and sex by asking questions to the owner or farmers. Blood samples from 10 PPR-infected Black Bengal goats and 10 normal healthy goats were collected and analyzed using routine blood and biochemical tests. PPR positive cases were found in 60 of 125 goats examined based on clinical signs. The highest prevalence (50%) was recorded in young goats (below 12 months) followed by goats of 12-24 months of age and older goats (above 25 months). Older goats were less susceptible to PPR infection. Male goats were less susceptible to PPR infection (31.66%) compared to female goats (68.33%). PPR is more likely in goats with lower body condition score (BCS). PPR-infected goats had macrocytic hypochromic anemia, as evidenced by significantly lower TEC, Hb, and PCV levels and higher MCV and MCH levels. The total leucocyte count (TLC) was significantly (P<0.05) decreased, neutrophils numbers were significantly increased but lymphocyte numbers were decreased in PPR infected goats. ALT, AST and creatinine reflect the liver and kidney functions. PPR-infected goats had significantly higher (P<0.05) AST, ALT and creatinine values than normal healthy goats. A high level of AST and ALT in PPR-infected goats might be due to liver damage. The high creatinine level indicates functional damage to the kidney. In conclusion, Prevalence of PPR in higher in Black Bengal goats reared in Jaintapur, Sylhet and PPR virus altered the hematological parameters and liver and kidney function test of the PPR infected goats. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (4), 270-276

Peste des petits ruminants in Nigeria: identification and variations of lineage II and lineage IV in sheep and goats

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is the aetiologic agent of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), an important viral disease of sheep and goats. PPR is endemic in Nigeria and leads to social and economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PPR infection and genetically characterize PPRV strains obtained from sheep and goats in three States of Southeast Nigeria. A total of 285 nasal swab samples collected in 2017‑2018 were processed for PPRV genome detection by RT‑PCR. Sixty‑five (22.81%) of the samples were positive for PPRV. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the PPRV belonged to lineages II (11/38, 28.9%) and IV (27/38, 71.1%). The N gene fragment sequence showed a 99.77%‑100% and 99.98%‑100% identity among the strains of lineages II and IV, respectively. Fourteen amino acid substitutions, previously unreported in PPRV strains from Nigeria, were recorded. This study confirms the circulation of PPRV lineages II and IV in Southeast Nigeria, the dominance of strains belonging to lineage IV in recent years, and their close genetic relationship with those previously reported in other parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Development of Nanobodies Targeting Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus: The Prospect in Disease Diagnosis and Therapy.

Simple SummaryPeste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a highly devastating disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) of sheep and goats, that threatens food security, small ruminant production, and the conservation of wild small ruminants. Current efforts are directed towards the global control and eradication of PPRV, an initiative of the World Organisation for Animal Health and Food and the Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. A plethora of diagnostic tools for PPR were primarily developed for livestock. New innovative diagnostic tools are needed to detect PPRV in atypical hosts (e.g., Camelidae, Suidae, and Bovinae), in wildlife ecosystems, and in complex field situations. Recent studies confirmed that single-domain antigen binding fragments (nanobodies) derived from heavy-chain-only camelid antibodies have proven to be a powerful tool in diagnostics and therapeutics due to their unique properties, such as small size and strong antigen-binding affinity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to generate PPRV-reactive nanobodies in order to set a pace for the development of diagnostic and possibly therapeutic nanobodies in the future. Initially, a strategy was developed whereby an alpaca was immunized with PPRV in order to raise an affinity-matured immune response, from which an immune nanobody library was constructed. Following phage display, nine nanobodies that specifically recognise PPRV were identified on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study has generated PPRV-reactive nanobodies and have significant implications in the development of cost-effective diagnostic tools in context with the planned eradication of PPR in the world.Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a highly devastating disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) of sheep and goats, that threatens food security, small ruminant production, and the conservation of wild small ruminants in many developing countries, especially in Africa. Robust serological and molecular diagnostic tools are available to detect PPRV infection, but they were mainly developed for domestic sheep and goats. The presence of a wide host range for PPRV does present serological diagnostic challenges. New innovative diagnostic tools are needed to detect PPRV in atypical hosts (e.g., Camelidae, Suidae, and Bovinae), in wildlife ecosystems and in complex field situations. Interestingly, single-domain antigen binding fragments (nanobodies) derived from heavy-chain-only camelid antibodies have emerged as a new hope in the development of accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tools in veterinary and biomedical fields that are suitable for low-income countries. The main objective of this study was to construct an immune nanobody library to retrieve PPRV-reactive nanobodies that enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic nanobodies in the future. Here, a strategy was developed whereby an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was immunized with a live attenuated vaccine strain (PPRV/N/75/1) to raise an affinity-matured immune response in the heavy-chain-only antibody classes. The nanobody gene repertoire was engineered in pMECS-GG phagemid, whereby a ccdB gene (encoding a lethal protein) was substituted by the nanobody gene. An immune nanobody library with approximately sixty-four million independent transformants was constructed, of which 100% contained an insert with the proper size of nanobody gene. Following phage display and biopanning, nine nanobodies that specifically recognise completely inactivated PPRV were identified on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. They showed superb potency in rapidly identifying PPRV, which is likely to open a new perspective in the diagnosis and possible treatment of PPR infection.

The influence of intranasal peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine administration alone or with phytogenic mucoadhesive delivery system on PPR outbreak outcomes in goats

ABSTRACT This study reports the influence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccination on the clinico-pathological outcomes of PPR in the face of an outbreak. Twenty-two West African dwarf goats procured for a different study started showing early signs of PPR during acclimatization. In response, PPR vaccine was administered either intranasally with phytogenic mucoadhesive gum (Group A; n = 6) or without gum (Group B; n = 6); subcutaneously (Group C; n = 6) or not vaccinated (Group D; n = 4) and studied for 21 days. The clinical scores, hematology, serology and pathology scores were evaluated. Clinical signs of PPR were present in all groups, presenting a percentage mortality of 33%; 33%; 64% and 100% for Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Polycythemia and mild leukopenia were observed in all groups, and all animals were seropositive by day 7 post-vaccination. The lung consolidation scores were low in Groups A and B, compared to Group C. Histopathological lesions consistent with PPR was observed in the lymphoid organs, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs with the presence of PPR antigen as detected by immunohistochemistry. The findings suggest that intranasal vaccination with or without mucoadhesive gum may influence the outcome of PPR infection more than the subcutaneous route in the face of an outbreak.

Spatio-temporal analysis of peste des petits ruminants outbreaks in PR China (2013-2018): Updates based on the newest data.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemic characteristics of PPR outbreaks in the People's Republic of China (PR China) from 2013 to 2018. A total of 41,876 PPR outbreaks were recorded in small ruminant populations in PR China during that period. Data from February to June 2018 were used to study new developments in the PPR epidemic in PR China. Spatio-temporal clusters and temporal distribution patterns were studied based on PPR notifications. We also used multiple logistic regression to examine the contribution of anthropogenic, climatic and topographic factors to PPR outbreaks. Distance to the nearest road (OR=1.007 [95% CI: 1.001-1.014]), price of mutton (OR=1.904 [95% CI: 1.358-2.668]) and mean monthly temperature in July (OR 1.156=[95% CI: 1.110-1.204]) showed positive effects on PPR outbreaks. Negative effects were observed for number of large-scale farms (OR=0.962 [95% CI: 0.940-0.985]). We also found that observed patterns of seasonality were characterized by peaks in April of 2014. Spatio-temporal clusters occurred in Yunnan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Heilongjiang province and Chongqing municipality. Hunan province reported PPR occurrences every year from 2014 to June 2018. Yunnan, Jiangsu and Anhui province have 56, 33 and 30 epidemic locations, respectively. PPR infections were first reported as the cause of death for 19 wild bharals in Qinghai province in 2018. All of this suggests that domestic trading of sheep and goats may be closely related to the spread of PPR. Prophylactic immunization in suspected animal populations or areas is recommended for the control of PPR and wild small ruminants should be monitored. Results presented here provide improved knowledge about PPR dynamics in PR China, which could be helpful in designing more effective prevention strategies.

Detection and molecular characterization of Peste des Petits Ruminants virus from outbreaks in Burundi, December 2017-January 2018.

In December 2017, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) emerged in Burundi (East Africa) and rapidly spread to five provinces (Gitega, Kirundo, Mwaro, Muramvya and Karuzi) in the country, causing severe disease and killing more than 4,000 goats in the province of Gitega alone. An initial outbreak investigation was conducted in December 2017 by the Burundi Government Veterinary Services and samples were collected for laboratory confirmation. A competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (cELISA: Chinese Patent No. ZL201210278970.9) supplied by the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute was used to test 112 sera and results showed around 37.5% positive samples. This high level of PPR positive sera in an animal population where PPR infection and vaccination had not been previously reported indicated the exposure of the animals to PPRV. Subsequently in January 2018, the laboratory tests conducted at the African Union-Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC) laboratories following a joint investigative mission by the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), AU-PANVAC and the East African Community (EAC) confirmed the presence of PPR in Burundi. Samples tested by conventional RT-PCR indicated the presence of the PPR virus (PPRV). Confirmatory isolation of the virus was also performed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus belongs to lineage III and shows a close relationship with PPRV isolates from Kenya in 2011 and Uganda in 2012. A possible explanation for the outbreaks of PPR in Burundi between December 2017 and February 2018 is presented.

Peste des Petits Ruminants: Aetiology, Pathology, Immunology, Disease Status in Africa, Diagnosis, Control, Prevention and Treatment: A Review

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a disease of economic and veterinary importance leading to considerable economic losses. PPR affects small domestic and wild ruminants. Sheep and goats are the natural hosts of PPR but cattle, pigs, African buffaloes and camels are also affected by the PPR virus. Clinical signs seen are mainly fever, mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharges, cough, dyspnoea, gastroenteritis leading to severe diarrhoea. The post mortem lesions seen are congested lungs, congestion of gastrointestinal tract, especially the discontinuous streaks of congestion, which is referred to as Zebra stripes or Zebra markings, oedematous and congested retropharyngeal and mesenteric lymph nodes, linear haemorrhages in the intestinal mucosa and splenomegaly. PPR infection is characterized by a rise in packed cell volume (PCV), increase in haemoglobin concentration (HbC), leukopenia with lymphopenia. The serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities are elevated, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations are also elevated. The disease is also characterized by disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) evidenced by prolonged prothrombin time (PT), prolonged activated thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombocytopenia, and hypofibrinogenemia. In PPR infection, serum biomarkers of oxidative stress such as vitamins A, C, E and glutathione activity decreases while serum catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and xanthine oxidase increase. Diagnostic techniques include histopathology, virus isolation, immunocapture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA), Competitive Enzyme Linked Imunnosorbent Assay (cELISA) and Combined Indirect ELISA (CI-ELISA) agar gel immunodiffusion, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP), Luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) and immunohistochemistry. Therefore, this review focused on the aetiology, epidemiology, pathology, immunology, and disease status in Africa, diagnosis, control, prevention, treatment and control of this disease.

Optimization and evaluation of a non-invasive tool for peste des petits ruminants surveillance and control

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease affecting mainly sheep and goats, but also a large number of wild species within the order Artiodactyla. A better understanding of PPR transmission dynamics in multi-host systems is necessary to efficiently control the disease, in particular where wildlife and livestock co-occur. Notably, the role of wildlife in PPR epidemiology is still not clearly understood. Non-invasive strategies to detect PPR infection without the need for animal handling could greatly facilitate research on PPR epidemiology and management of the disease in atypical hosts and in complex field situations. Here, we describe optimized methods for the direct detection of PPR virus genetic material and antigen in fecal samples. We use these methods to determine the detection window of PPR in fecal samples, and compare the sensitivity of these methods to standard invasive sampling and PPR diagnostic methods using field samples collected at a wildlife-livestock interface in Africa. Our results show that quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-QPCR) amplification of PPRV from fecal swabs has good sensitivity in comparison to ocular swabs. Animals infected by PPRV could be identified relatively early on and during the whole course of infection based on fecal samples using RT-QPCR. Partial gene sequences could also be retrieved in some cases, from both fecal and ocular samples, providing important information about virus origin and relatedness to other PPRV strains. Non-invasive strategies for PPRV surveillance could provide important data to fill major gaps in our knowledge of the multi-host PPR epidemiology.

Quantifying Levels of Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Virus in Excretions from Experimentally Infected Goats and Its Importance for Nascent PPR Eradication Programme.

Following the successful eradication of rinderpest, the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have set a goal to globally eradicate Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) by 2030. To support the eradication programme we have quantified the levels of PPR virus (PPRV) nucleic acid excreted in body fluids (blood, feces, saliva, nasal and eye swabs) of PPRV-infected goats to ascertain which days post-infection animals are potentially infectious, and hence direct quarantine activities. The data will also indicate optimal sample strategies to assess presence of PPR infection in the naturally infected herd. Peak PPRV nucleic acid detection in different bodily fluids was between 5 and 10 days post-infection. As such, this period must be considered the most infectious period for contact transmission, although high viral load was observed through RNA detection in nasal excretions from two days post-infection until at least two weeks post-infection. Percentage sample positivity was low both in eye swabs and saliva samples during the early stage of infection although RNA was detected as late as two weeks post-infection. From the individual animal data, PPRV was detected later post-infection in fecal material than in other body fluids and the detection was intermittent. The results from this study indicate that nasal swabs are the most appropriate to sample when considering molecular diagnosis of PPRV.

Occurrence of peste des petits ruminants and its increasing threat to Europe

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants that leads to high morbidity and mortality, and thereby results in devastating economic consequences to the livestock industry. It is caused by the PPR virus (PPRV), which belongs to the genus Morbilivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. PPR was first recorded in early 1942 in Ivory Coast, West Africa. In the following years, the disease extended its distribution to other parts of the world and now circulates throughout Northern, Eastern and West Africa, as well as Asia – in particular, China, Central Asia, Eurasia, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. The molecular epidemiology of PPRV, based on the sequence comparison of a small region of either the N or the F gene, has revealed the existence of four distinct lineages (I-IV) of the virus. Until June 2018, PPR had never been detected in Europe, with the exception of the European part of Turkish Thrace. However, on 24th June 2018 the Bulgarian authorities reported cases of PPR in sheep in the village of Voden, Bolyarovo municipality of Yambol region, on the border with the Thrace region of Turkey. It was the first occurrence of PPR in Bulgaria and in the European Union (EU). The source of PPR infection in Bulgaria is not clear, it could have been the illegal movement of animals, contaminated materials or humans, e.g. refuges. Due to the increased risk of introduction of PPR from North Africa and Turkey to neighbouring regions, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published a report assessing the risk of PPR spreading in Europe. According to a scientific opinion by the EFSA, the spread of PPRV in the territory of the UE could occur by the illegal transport of infected animals or infected animal products. In order to limit the spread and impact of PPR outbreaks in Europe, rapid detection, movement restriction, prompt culling of infected herds and disinfection measures should be introduced immediately. The control and eventual eradication of PPR is now one of the top priorities for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). In 2015, the international community agreed on a global strategy for PPR eradication, setting 2030 as a target date for elimination of the disease.

Patho-morphological Based Diagnosis of Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Goats

The present study describes pathological findings in 25 cases of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) infection. Out of 462 goats carcass examination, in which 262 cases were from slaughtered animals and 200 cases were from fallen animals. On post mortem examination, pathological findings included erosive ulcerative stomatitis, severe haemorrhagic enteritis along with enlarged mesenteric lymph node. The large intestine of affected animals showed pathognomonic haemorrhages like zebra striping (zebra marking) and ecchymotic haemorrhages in abomasum. Histopathological lesions were characterized by syncytial cell formation, infiltration of mononuclear cells with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in alveolar macrophages of lungs section. Gross and histopathological lesions were suggestive for PPR infection, which was further confirmed from the specialized PPR laboratory in Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand) Regional Station of ICAR, IVRI using s-ELISA.

The Antioxidant Status and Biochemical Parameters in Kid Goats Naturally Infected with Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus

Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute and highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants. The disease is high economical importance because of the high mortality rate. Oxidative stress is an active field of research in small ruminant medicine and has been implicated in numerous disease processes including sepsis, mastitis, acidosis, enteritis, pneumonia, respiratory, and joint diseases. Compared to human medicine, only a limited number of conditions have been investigated in regard to the effects of oxidative stress in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to determined and compared the oxidative status and some biochemical parameters in kid goats with PPR.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed on 15 healthy hair of kid goats (control group) and 15 kids naturally infected with Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). Competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA) was used for serological detection of PPRV specific antibodies, and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for the detection of PPR virus. Concentrations of plasma biochemical parameters were analysed by a clinical chemistry analyser, and blood biochemical indices determined, including total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), γ- glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL). The plasma CAT activity, plasma GSHPx activity and plasma lipid peroxidation level was measured according to the specific methods. Besides, vitamin C values were colorimetrically determined using a phosphotungustic method acid method and vitamin E values were determined spectrophotometrically method. Plasma MDA concentrations were markedly increased in the group of kid goats with PPR (P < 0.001) whereas GSHPx (P < 0.01), and CAT (P < 0.01) activities were significantly depressed as well as concentrations of vitamins E (P < 0.05) and vitamin C (P < 0.001). Significant differences between groups were showed relative to plasma total protein (P < 0.05), albumin (P < 0.05), ALP (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.01), GGT (P < 0.05), LDH (P < 0.05), glucose (P < 0.001), VLDL (P < 0.05), LDL (P < 0.01), and HDL (P < 0.05)Discussion: The clinical and postmortem findings of PPRV infection may be sufficient for the diagnosis in the endemic areas, yet labaratory confirmation is essential for definitive diagnosis because of the clinical similarity of PPR to rinderpest. In this study used both C-ELISA and RT-PCR in the diagnosis of suspected disease. The decrease level of VLDL, LDL, and HDL in the kids with PPR were consistent findings with liver damage, and the cause of decrease could be inadequate synthesis of cholesterol that main structure of lipoproteins due to liver dysfunction. Plasma MDA concentrations were found to be increased in the kid goats with PPR compared to the control group, while decreases of GSHPx and CAT activities were observed. Because of GSHPx and CAT are involved in the conversion of radicals into less effective metabolites, these changes coupled to the increase of MDA concentrations, suggest that an excessive ROS production occurred during PPR infection. This study has highlighted the occurrence of an oxidative stress with important differences in antioxidant status as reflected by assessment of some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in kids infected by PPRV. In conclusion, this study has highlighted the occurrence of an oxidative stress with important differences in antioxidant status as reflected by assessment of some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in kids infected by PPRV. Furthermore, the liver was effected by PPRV infection.

The effects of PPR on the reproductive health of Black Bengal goats and the possible role played by oxidative stress.

Outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) viral disease in Black Bengal goats were investigated from the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. Clinical profile of PPR-affected flocks was recorded from four different outbreak sites of the region. The PPR outbreak was diagnosed serologically using commercially available sandwich ELISA kit. Relatively, low mortality rate (mean 26.75%) for PPR outbreak was recorded due to the endemic status of the disease. To understand the role of oxidative stress in PPR virus pathogenesis, various oxidant and antioxidant parameters in goats infected with PPR were estimated and compared with the uninfected/healthy goats of the same flock. The measured high level of pro-oxidant malondialdehyde (MDA) obtained from lipid peroxidation along with lower levels of anti-oxidants viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in PPR-affected Black Bengal goats suggests oxidative stress as one of the mechanism of pathogenesis of PPR virus. In addition, the correlation of oxidative stress due to PPR and the resulting reproductive disorders in the female goats were evaluated. The abortion in pregnant does observed during PPR outbreak was proportional to debility and oxidative stress manifested during PPR infection. The reproductive performance of recovered female goats in the period of 18months of monitoring was significantly compromised in terms of kidding and twinning frequency. The mortality rate in kids born from PPR-recovered goats was significantly higher compared to those from health goats in the first 9months post-recovery. From the present study, it may be concluded that together with the PPR virus, infection in goats and the resulting oxidative stress play a vital role for abortion and reduced post-reproductive performance in Black Bengal female goat.