Peste Des Petits Ruminants and its Economic Importance

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.