PPR is severe, highly contagious and fatal viral disease of goat and sheep.
Also called Goat and Sheep Plague OR Kata.
A Quick Summary of PPR:
- Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a severe viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants.
- PPR affects primarily the respiratory and digestive systems, inducing high rates of morbidity and mortality (80%–100%).
- PPR is widespread in Asia, Africa, and the Near and Middle East, and was detected in Europe in 2016.
- Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs; PCR and ELISA are used for definitive diagnosis.
- There is no specific treatment for PPR; a vaccine is available for disease prevention.
Incubation Period
The incubation period of PPR is usually 2 to 4 days.
Etiology
Peste des petits ruminants virus, a morbillivirus, four lineages belongs to family Paramyxoviridae. It is closely related to rinderpest virus but antigenically different. Both goats and sheep are equally susceptible to the PPR virus; however, goats may exhibit more severe clinical signs.
The PPR virus does not infect humans.
PPR virus replicates in the lymphoid tissues & in epithelial tissue of the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts, where it produces characteristic lesions of disease.
Clinical Signs
PPR disease is characterized by:
- Fever 40°C–41.3°C (104°F–106°F)
- Oculonasal purulent discharge
- Necrotic stomatitis
- Diarrhea (Foul Smell)
- Respiratory distress
Depression, Congested Conjunctiva, dull coat (at early stage), Coughing, Abortion (pregnant animal) are some other signs.
Epidemiology
PPR was first described in 1942 in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Contagious disease of goats and sheep; now endemic in western, central, eastern and northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. High mortality especially in naive goats.
Diagnostic Confirmation
Virus neutralization test and immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction..
Differential Diagnosis
We differentiate PPR disease from:
- Rinderpest
- Contagious ecthyma
- Bacterial pneumonias
- Coccidiosis
Clinical pathology
Marked leukopenia and hemoconcentration.
Transmission
- Direct Contact – with herdmate
- Oculonasal secretions
- Contaminated feeding utencils
- Spread via air droplets
Treatment
NO specific Rx, None generally effective. For valuable animals, hyperimmune serum and symptomatic treatment.
USE ANTIBIOTICS + Antidiarrheal + Expectorants + Antiallergic + Fluid Therapy
"In Accordance with Vet-Endorsed Practices".
Control
Segregation of new stock, vaccination with tissue culture or recombinant vaccines. Mass vaccination and coordinated national, regional, and international efforts required for global control and possible eradication as has been done for rinderpest.
Fun Fact
- PPR is caused by only one serotype, there is neither a carrier state nor a reservoir species of virus outside domestic small ruminants.
- High quality vaccines are available.
- Easily diagnosed by expert vet.
References
MSD Vet Manual, Peste des petits ruminants.
FAO Peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
Youtube channel Doctor of veterinary medicine.
The Veterinarian 