Abstract:
Peste des petits is a highly acute contagious and infectious viral disease of goats and sheep that is
clinically similar to rinderpest and is characterized by fever, erosive stomatitis, diarrhea, conjunctivitis,
gastroenteritis and pneumonia. It is caused by Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The objectives of this
paper were to review peste des petits ruminants and its economic significance. The disease occurs south of the
Sahara desert and north of the equator in Africa, in most of the Middle East and in parts of Asia including much
of the Indian subcontinent. Peste des Petits Ruminants is common in Ethiopia and economic losses are due to
loss of production, death, abortion and cost of controlling the disease. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of
clinical, pathological and epizootiological findings. Laboratory confirmation is an absolute requirement,
particularly in areas or countries where PPR has not previously been reported. There is no evidence that peste
des petits ruminants virus infects humans. There is no specific treatment for PPR; however, drugs that control
bacterial and parasitic complications may decrease mortality. Ring vaccination and/or vaccination of high-risk
populations can also be helpful. It can be eradicated with a combination of quarantines, movement controls,
euthanasia of infected and exposed animals and cleaning and disinfection of infected premises.
Farmers/pastoralists should keep newly purchased sheep and goats separate from other animals.
