Peste Des Petits Ruminants Research Articles

Characterization of Murine Monoclonal Antibodies by Hybridomatechnology for the Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPRV)Vaccine

Characterization of Murine Monoclonal Antibodies by Hybridomatechnology for the Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPRV)Vaccine

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats in three districts of the Central Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild small ruminants and camels in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Following the successful eradication of rinderpest, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have undertaken to eradicate PPR by 2030. Regular surveillance and monitoring of the disease in various regions of Ethiopia are crucial to achieving this goal. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PPR, assess community awareness of PPR infection, and examine the associated risk factors of the disease in selected districts of the Central Oromia Region, Ethiopia.MethodThe study collected 384 serum samples from 73 flocks containing 217 sheep and 167 goats using a multi-stage sampling technique. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against the PPR virus. Additionally, a pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on community awareness and potential risk factors for PPRV infection in the study area.ResultsThe study found that the overall prevalence of PPR in flocks was 71.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 59.4%−81.2%]. The prevalence of PPR at the animal level was 50% (95% CI: 44.9%−55.1%), with sheep having a prevalence of 54.4% (95% CI: 47.0%−60.6%) and goats having a prevalence of 44.3% (95% CI: 36.6%−52.2%). The study also found that districts, flock size, and agroecology were independent predictors of PPRV seropositivity in sheep, whereas districts, origin, and mixed species were independent predictors of PPRV seropositivity in goats.ConclusionThe study revealed a high prevalence of PPR in sheep and goats in the study area. To prevent the spread of the disease, the study suggests quarantining animals before introducing them to districts, regular PPR vaccination, and isolation and molecular characterization of the PPR virus circulating in the study area.

Economic assessment of animal disease burden in Senegalese small ruminants

Small ruminant production in sub-Saharan Africa is limited by a range of constraints, including animal health issues. This study aimed at estimating the impact of these issues on the small ruminant production in Senegal in a holistic manner, using an approach developed by the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme. The estimation focused on the mixed crop-livestock system, representing a large proportion (>60%) of the small ruminant population in the country. It was based on existing data collected via a systematic literature review, acquisition of secondary datasets from local stakeholders, and expert elicitation. A dynamic population model was used to calculate the gross margin of the sector under both the current health constraints and an ideal health state, where animals are not exposed to causes of morbidity and mortality. The difference between the current and ideal health scenarios, termed the Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE), provides a quantitative measure of the farm-level cost of disease in the system. The all-cause AHLE was estimated at 292 billion FCFA (468 million USD, with 95% prediction interval 216 – 366 billion FCFA) per year for 2022, for a population of 8.8 million animals. The contribution of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) was modelled separately, as an example of attributing part of the AHLE to a specific disease cause. PPR was estimated to contribute 5% of the total AHLE. The animal disease burden experienced by Senegalese livestock keepers was largely due to loss in animals and production, with relatively small amounts of animal health expenditure. Implementation of this study contributed to the further development of the GBADs approach. Such estimates can support decision making at all levels, from investment decisions at the international level to local disease awareness campaigns targeting livestock keepers.

An Evaluation of the Thermotolerance of Various Formulations of Freeze-Dried and Reconstituted Peste des Petits Ruminant Vaccines

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease is widely distributed in Africa. Live attenuated PPR vaccines are produced using approved Nigeria 75/1 and Sungri/96 strains by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) to control the disease. These PPR vaccines are very efficacious; however, the main challenge is the maintaining of the cold chain during vaccine distribution and delivery. This study evaluated the thermotolerance of freeze-dried and reconstituted PPR Nigeria 75/1 vaccines from vaccine manufacturers using eight stabilizer formulations (lactalbumin hydrolysate and sucrose, sucrose and peptone, Weybridge medium, trehalose, Lactose and N-Z Amine, lactalbumin hydrolysate, sucrose and L glutamine, skimmed milk, and lactalbumin hydrolysate, maltose and gelatine). Aliquots of the reconstituted PPR vaccine batches were titrated after 2, 4, and 6 h of storage at 4 °C and 40 °C. The PPR vaccines were also titrated after storage at 40 °C and 45 °C for 3 and 5 days. The results showed that reconstituted PPR vaccine stabilized with lactalbumin hydrolysate–sucrose promoted tolerance at 40 °C for 6 h. It was also noted that all reconstituted PPR vaccine formulations except the formulation stabilized with lactalbumin hydrolysate–maltose–gelatine maintained the titre above a 102.5 TCID50/dose after 4 h of storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, the results showed that the PPR vaccine formulation containing lactalbumin hydrolysate sucrose was as the only one that maintained the titres above 102.5 TCID50/dose after storage at 45 °C for 5 days, with a titre loss of 100.95 TCID50/dose. Therefore, vaccine manufacturers producing PPR vaccines for use in tropical field regions could preferably use lactalbumin hydrolysate–sucrose stabilizer in vaccine formulation.

Enhanced Recovery and Detection of Highly Infectious Animal Disease Viruses by Virus Capture Using Nanotrap® Microbiome A Particles

This study reports the use of Nanotrap® Microbiome A Particles (NMAPs) to capture and concentrate viruses from diluted suspensions to improve their recovery and sensitivity to detection by real-time PCR/RT-PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR). Five highly infectious animal disease viruses including goatpox virus (GTPV), sheeppox virus (SPPV), lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), and African swine fever virus (ASFV) were used in this study. After capture, the viruses remained viable and recoverable by virus isolation (VI) using susceptible cell lines. To assess efficacy of recovery, the viruses were serially diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium (EMEM) and then subjected to virus capture using NMAPs. The NMAPs and the captured viruses were clarified on a magnetic stand, reconstituted in PBS or EMEM, and analyzed separately by VI and virusspecific qPCR/RT-qPCR. The PCR results showed up to a 100-fold increase in the sensitivity of detection of the viruses following virus capture compared to the untreated viruses from the same dilutions. Experimental and clinical samples were subjected to virus capture using NMAPs and analyzed by PCR to determine diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) that was comparable (100%) to that determined using untreated (-NMAPs) samples. NMAPs were also used to capture spiked viruses from EDTA whole blood (EWB). Virus capture from EWB was partially blocked, most likely by hemoglobin (HMB), which also binds NMAPs and outcompetes the viruses. The effect of HMB could be removed by either dilution (in PBS) or using HemogloBind™ (Biotech Support Group; Monmouth Junction, NJ), which specifically binds and precipitates HMB. Enhanced recovery and detection of viruses using NMAPs can be applicable to other highly pathogenic animal viruses of agricultural importance.

Comparative pathogenesis of Ethiopia/Habru/2014 Lineage-IV peste des petits ruminants virus in goats and cattle

BackgroundPeste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting goats and sheep, with clinical manifestations ranging from peracute disease to subclinical infection, particularly in atypical hosts such as cattle. The role of atypical hosts such as cattle to the spread of PPR remains controversial, with conflicting reports in the literature. Despite its worldwide significance, considerable knowledge gaps exist regarding the pathogenesis and clinical progression in both primary and atypical hosts. This study aimed to elucidate the tissue tropism, pathogenesis, virus shedding, clinical progression, and pathology associated with experimental PPR virus infection in indigenous goats and cattle. To this end, 32 animals—16 goats and 16 cattle—were intranasally inoculated with the Ethiopia/Habru/2014 Lineage-IV strain of the PPR virus followed by detailed clinical evaluations and systematic sampling at pre-established intervals to assess serological conversion, viral shedding, and the pathogenesis of the infection across both species.ResultsThe results show that goats exhibited typical clinical signs 4 days post-inoculation, with seroconversion by day 6 and early detection of viral RNA in swabs and tissues by day 3 and virus isolation starting day 4. In contrast, cattle exhibited minimal clinical signs, with seroconversion occurring at day 8 with viral RNA detected in tissue samples at day 4 and virus isolation starting day 6 in tissues and in a single nasal swab at day 8. Clinical scores and tissue positivity rates significantly differed between goats and cattle (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively). While goats exhibited expected gross and histopathological lesions, cattle showed only nonspecific lesions.ConclusionsTogether, our findings highlight the importance of comparative pathology studies for better understanding virus dynamics and transmission pathways that may help inform more effective PPR control programs. Future research should explore the pathogenesis of different PPRV lineages in cattle, assessing variations in disease progression and potential for epidemiological impact.

Partial Sequence Analysis of Commercial Peste des Petits Ruminants Vaccines Produced in Africa

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), which is the only member of the Morbillivirus caprinae species and belongs to the genus Morbillivirus within the Paramyxoviridae family, causes the highly contagious viral sickness “Peste des petits ruminants (PPR).” PPR is of serious economic significance for small ruminant production, particularly in Africa. Control of this critical disease depends highly on successful vaccination against the PPRV. An in-depth understanding of the genetic evolution of the live-attenuated PPR vaccine Nigeria 75/1 strain used in Africa is essential for the successful eradication of this disease by 2030. Therefore, this study investigated the possible genetic evolution of the PPR vaccine produced by various African laboratories compared with the master seed available at AU-PANVAC. RT-PCR was performed to amplify a segment of the hypervariable C-terminal part of the nucleoprotein (N) from commercial batches of PPR vaccine Nigeria 75/1 strain. The sequences were analyzed, and 100% nucleotide sequence identity was observed between the master seed and vaccines produced. The results of this study indicate the genetic stability of the PPR vaccine from the Nigeria 75/1 strain over decades and that the vaccine production process used by different manufacturers did not contribute to the emergence of mutations in the vaccine strain.

Wildlife Infection of Peste des Petits Ruminants Detected in China, 2024.

In 2013, the second outbreak of peste des petits ruminants occurred in China, leading to a spillover in more than 20 provinces and municipalities over the next few months. Thereafter, the epidemic situation was stable owing to strict prevention and control measures. In February 2024, several bharals and argali with suspected symptoms of PPR were discovered in Rutog country, Tibet Autonomous Region. Samples collected from these animals were delivered to our laboratory for diagnosis; the results of fluorescence quantitative reverse-transcription (RT) PCR indicated that all samples were positive for PPR viral RNA. The N and F gene fragments were amplified successfully via RT-PCR, and these results confirmed that these animals were infected with PPRV. A PPRV strain (subsequently named ChinaTibet2024) was sequenced, and its genome length was 15,954 nucleotides. A phylogenetic tree analysis using N and F genes and viral genomes showed that the ChinaTibet2024 genome was classified into lineage IV of the PRRV genotypes. The genome of the ChinaTibet2024 strain was found to be closely related to PPRVs isolated in China between 2013 and 2014. A base insertion and a base deletion were detected in the M gene 5' untranslated region. Results indicated that the prevalent PPRV strains in China did not show significant changes and that special attention should be paid to the surveillance of wild animals as an important part of PPR prevention and control.

Epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants in selected districts of Borena zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundPeste des petits ruminant (PPR) is a contagious disease caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The disease poses a significant economic threat to small ruminant production in Ethiopia, particularly to the striving pastoral production system. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of PPR in the small ruminants of the Borena Zone. A total of 384 serum samples were collected randomly from sheep and goats and examined for the presence of PPRV antibodies using competition enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (c-ELISA). Additionally, a retrospective analysis of five years of outbreak data was performed to provide insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of the disease.ResultsThe seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in nonvaccinated, vaccinated, and unknown vaccination status of small ruminants in this study was found to be 32.1%, 68.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed a statistically significant association between PPRV seropositivity and several factors, including age, animal origin, flock size, and veterinary services status. A retrospective analysis revealed 53 PPR outbreaks in the Borena Zone from 2018 to 2022, exacerbated by low vaccination coverage relative to the at-risk animal population.ConclusionThe study revealed significant gaps in current vaccination efforts, with herd immunity levels falling below the FAO-WOAH recommended threshold of 80%. Despite Ethiopia’s ambitious goal to eradicate PPR by 2027, the frequent outbreaks and insufficient herd immunity highlight the inadequacy of the existing strategies. To effectively move toward eradication, Ethiopia must align its approach with the global PPR eradication framework, which emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that includes diagnostics, surveillance, prevention, and the establishment of a robust veterinary regulatory system, rather than relying solely on vaccination. Overcoming logistical challenges, improving vaccination coverage, and optimizing the timing of vaccination campaigns, especially in hard-to-reach areas, will be crucial for reducing outbreaks and making progress toward eradication.

Molecular characterization of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in sheep and goats and risk factors associated with it in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an economically significant transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats caused by the PPRV virus, affecting annual losses of 1.45-2.10 billion US dollars globally. We designed the current study to evaluate the positive cases, molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and risk factors correlated with the disease in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with the aim of contributing to these strategies. A total of 384 samples from three selected districts, i.e., Peshawar, Charsadda and Chitral (n = 128 each), were collected, and the virus was investigated by using the sandwich ELISA, while the N gene of the virus was used as a target for molecular detection via RT-PCR. The confirmed samples were then sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. According to our findings, the highest positive cases was found in district Peshawar (50.87%), followed by Charsadda and Chitral (24.56%), respectively, while risk factor analysis showed that certain categories, such as species, sex, and age less than two years, have higher risk (P < 0.05) in contrast to their respective categories. Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of representative samples showed that the PPRV strains in the current study clustered in lineage IV, which is circulating in the small ruminant population of Asia, the Middle East, and African countries. Comparative residue analysis highlighted the mutation by representing 242 variable sites out of 371 locations. PPRV has foremost importance in Pakistan because the virus was detected in a considerable number of samples, and most of which were sourced from subsidiary areas where veterinary services are not prioritized.

Environmental sampling for the detection of capripox viruses and peste des petits ruminants virus in households and livestock markets in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Multiple transboundary animal diseases (TADs) circulate in Plateau State, Nigeria, where livestock keeping is common and contributes to both the physical and socio-economic well-being of a large proportion of the population. In this study, we explored the potential for environmental sampling to detect viruses causing TADs circulating in the region. Electrostatic dust cloths were used to swab areas of the environment likely to have contact with secretions and excretions from infected animals. Samples were collected monthly from five households, one transhumance site and one livestock market in two local government areas in Plateau State between March and October 2021. These were tested for the presence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and capripox viruses using real-time PCR. Of the 458 samples collected, 2.4% (n = 11) were positive for PPRV RNA and 1.3 % (n = 6) were positive for capripox virus DNA. A capripox differentiation assay showed that these samples were positive for sheep pox virus (n = 2), goat pox virus (n = 2) and lumpy skin disease virus (n = 2). Our results demonstrate that environmental sampling could be used as part of TAD surveillance in the area. Environmental swabs require little technical knowledge to collect and can be used to detect multiple viruses from a single sample.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Peste des petits ruminants in selected districts of Awi zone, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study to estimate the antibody seroprevalence of the PPR virus and determine the associated risk factors was conducted from February 2021 to May 2022 in the Guangua and Jawi districts of the Awi zone. Of the total 380 sera samples tested using cELISA, 231 (60.8 %) were found positive for the PPRV antibody. A significantly higher prevalence of 76.2 % (OR = 4.5, P = 0.000) was observed in the Jawi district than in the Guangua district (45.5 %). Seroprevalence of 61.9 % (109/176) in sheep and 59.8 % (122/204) in goats was also detected in the present study (P > 0.05). Significantly higher prevalence was revealed in old (69.7 %, OR = 3.4) and adult (65.7 %, OR = 2.3) age groups compared to young (48.9 %) age groups. A prevalence of 63.4 % and 55.6 % were reported in female and male animals respectively (P > 0.05, χ2 = 1.85). As evidenced by the serological test result, PPR is highly circulated in the Guangua and Jawi districts of the Awi zone. The higher circulation of the PPR virus, the uncontrolled movement of animals, and the regular practice of communal grazing systems in the area indicate the chance of continued dissemination within and to other places. Hence, proper implementation of prevention and control measures and further study on sequencing and characterization of the circulating virus are advised.

Comparison of the efficacy of Sandwich ELISA with PCR for detecting Peste des Petits Ruminants in sheep and goats

Comparison of the efficacy of Sandwich ELISA with PCR for detecting Peste des Petits Ruminants in sheep and goats

Space-time cluster analysis and maximum entropy modeling of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Türkiye.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important highly serious transboundary disease that mainly occurs in small ruminants such as sheep and goats. The aim of this study was to identify the probability of risk and and space-time clusters of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Türkiye. The occurrence of PPR in Türkiye from 2017 to 2019 was investigated in this study using spatial analysis based on geographic information system (GIS). Between these dates, it was determined that 337 outbreaks and 18,467 cases. The highest number of outbreaks were detected in the Central Anatolia region. It was determined that PPR is seen more intensely in sheep compared to goats in Türkiye. In this study, 34 environmental variables (19 bioclimatic, 12 precipitation, altitude and small livestock density variables) were used to explore the environmental influences on PPR outbreak by maximum entropy modeling (Maxent). The clusters of PPR in Türkiye were identified using the retrospective space-time scan data that were computed using the space-time permutation model. A PPR prediction model was created using data on PPR outbreaks combination with environmental variables. Nineteen significant (p < 0.001) space-time clusters were determined. It was discovered that the variables altitude, sheep density, precipitation in june, and average temperature in the warmest season made important contributions to the model and the PPR outbreak may be strongly related with these variables. In this study, PPR in Türkiye has been characterized significantly spatio-temporal and enviromental factors. In this context, the disease pattern and obtained these findings will contribute to policymakers in the prevention and control of the disease.

Field Assessment of Major Livestock Diseases and Health Management Practices in Assosa Zone Areas

A preliminary disease survey in livestock and health management practices comprising cattle, goats, and poultry was undertaken. This study was conducted to identify livestock diseases, determine the method of diagnosis, and evaluate the disease management system within the period of 2020 to 2022. A semi-structural questionnaire was developed. 86 animal owners, who have large number of animals, participated in three districts Assosa, Bambasi, and Homosha each consisting of 52, 18, and 16 respondents respectively. The mean average number of cattle, goats, and poultry per farm was 10.1, 10.8, and 2003.3 in that order. According to respondents 93% of tell us the first disease was trypanosmiasis, followed by parasites 70.9%. Newcastle disease 75.6% of respondents was the most common disease in poultry, and Peste des petites ruminants (46.5% of respondents) was the most common in small ruminants. Most respondents explained that there was low satisfaction in veterinary supply. In Homosha, Assosa and Bambasi district identification of diseases diagnosis only by clinical sign was 100%, 80.7% and 33.3% respectively. Season of outbreak vary according to diseases type and infected species. The majority of goat and sheep outbreaks occurred in the winter (keremt) and autumn, but cattle outbreaks were prevalent in the spring followed by summer (bega). The total morbidity was 16.8% and total mortality was 7.1%. In Bambasi, the average morbidity was 2.8% and average mortality was 0.1%. The morbidity in Homosha was 62.5% and mortality was 26.1%. In Assosa districts the morbidity was 7.6% and mortality 3.7%. The morbidity of cattle was 13.2% and mortality was 5.5%. The morbidity of goat was 51.7% and mortality was 23.3 %. The morbidity in poultry farms was 26.8% and mortality 11.2%. This Study revealed that there were different disease outbreaks in the Assosa zone and management in livestock Production is poorly practiced. This is the greatest threat to livestock production and productivity. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to sustain livestock health.

Investigations on oxidative stress and the stages of clinical Peste des petits ruminants in goats under natural infection

Investigations on oxidative stress and the stages of clinical Peste des petits ruminants in goats under natural infection

Molecular characterization of peste des petits ruminants virus and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae in small ruminants in northern Mauritania, 2023.

Global eradication of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is planned for 2030 by international animal health organizations in collaboration with national partners. As the deadline approaches, it is fundamental that the PPR status in each country is determined. In addition, the identification of other pathogens of small ruminants that share common geographical locations and can produce similar clinical signs is also important for differential diagnosis. With this in mind, 37 samples collected from goats and sheep presenting respiratory symptoms in Mauritania in 2023 were screened for the presence of PPR virus, Capripoxvirus, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) using a one-step multiplex RT-qPCR assay. None of the samples were positive for Capripoxvirus or P. multocida. Nine of them were positive for PPRV and sequence analysis of a segment of the PPRV nucleoprotein revealed that they belonged to lineage IV and were similar to viruses recently identified in Côte D'Ivoire, Guinea, and Niger indicating transboundary movement. The full genome of one representative virus was also generated. Mccp was identified in eight samples and multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) identified them as belonging to MLSA Group 3 together with Mccps identified in China, Tajikistan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. This is the first time that such a study has been undertaken in Mauritania and the data generated should be of interest to those involved in the management of goat diseases in Mauritania and neighbouring countries.

Dynamic evolution of peste des petits ruminants virus in sheep and goat hosts across India reveals the swift surge of F gene.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), an acute febrile viral disease impacting goats and sheep flocks, manifests with pyrexia, mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharges, necrotizing and erosive stomatitis, pneumonia, and enteritis. The disease-instigating agent, PPR virus, pertains to the Morbillivirus caprinae genus in the Paramyxoviridae family. The endemic presence of PPR in India results in notable economic losses due to heightened mortality and morbidity in infected animals. Understanding viral pathogen evolution is pivotal for delineating their emergence in diverse environments. This study explores the molecular evolutionary patterns of PPRV, concentrating on the N and F structural genes isolated from Indian sheep and goats. Analyzing evolutionary rate, phylogenetics, selection pressure, and codon usage bias, we determined the time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) as 1984, 1973, 2000, and 2004 for goat and sheep's N and F genes, respectively, with evolutionary rates ranging from 2.859x103 to 4.995x104. The F-gene is found to exhibit a faster evolution than the N-gene, indicating apparent virus transmission across the regions of India, as supported by phylogenetic analysis. Codon usage bias examination, incorporating nucleotide composition and various plots (effective number of codon plot, parity plot, neutrality plot), suggests the evolution in India influenced by both natural selection and mutational pressure, resulting in alterations in the virus's codon bias. The integrated analysis underscores the significant role of selection pressures, implying PPRV's co-evolution and adaptations influenced by various genes. Insights from this study can guide effective disease control and vaccine development, aiding in managing PPR outbreaks in India and beyond.

Synonymous codon usage influences the transmission of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus in camels.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is an infectious pathogen; causing highly contagious, acute febrile, and economically important disease of small ruminants. The virus is known to have intrinsic ability to adapt new hosts and to cross the species barrier. The incidence of PPR has already been reported in unusual host species such as camels, bovines, and wild animals from spill-over or natural infection. Still, there are elementary gaps in our knowledge of the extent of susceptibility of camel to PPRV and the adaptability of PPRV to camel. The present study delineates the potential role of preferential codon usage patterns responsible for adaptation, host immune evasion, and transmission of PPRV to unusual hosts like old world camel species namely, dromedary and bactrian camel. The results indicate codon usage of the PPRV genome is functioned by an interplay of mutational pressure and natural selection to exhort the adaptation and fitness of PPRV in probable hosts. The indices of natural selection like the relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI) and codon adaptation index (CAI) predict the ability of PPRV to adapt and evolve in camel species. The analysis also depicts the potential role of the CpG depletion mechanism employed by PPRV to evade host adaptive immune response. The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national PPR surveillance plan in unusual hosts like camels for the successful implementation of the PPR Global Eradication Programme (PPR- GEP).

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.