Plague of small ruminants (PPR) is a viral infection that poses a serious threat to sheep and goats, and is characterized by a high infection rate (up to 100%) and mortality (up to 80%). The disease was first identified in the Ivory Coast in the 1940s, and today it appears in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and since 2016, in Europe. In July 2024, the virus was detected in Greece and Romania, indicating its spread in the Balkans.
The disease mostly affects regions that rely on small ruminants for economic survival, as it affects the production of meat and dairy products. Annual losses due to PPR are estimated to be between $1.45 and $2.1 billion. Although it is dangerous for animals, the disease is not transmitted to humans, which is important information in its consideration.
Plague of small ruminants: the cause
The causative agent of PPR is a virus from the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus. Until 2016, the virus was known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) virus, while it has now been renamed Small Ruminant Morbilivirus (SRM). The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, but also by contaminated food, water or air. Infected animals shed the virus through tears, nasal discharge, lung secretions, urine and feces, allowing the virus to spread among animals. The movement of animals and their free roaming further contribute to the rapid spread of the disease.
The virus can also be transmitted indirectly. In other words, it is transmitted through food containers, water, pasture and objects such as shoes, clothes or veterinary instruments, although it does not survive for long in the external environment. People cannot get PPR, which is a mitigating circumstance. However, they can certainly help spread the virus, especially in places like cattle markets and fairs.
The incubation period of the disease lasts 3-4 days, after which clinical signs appear such as high body temperature (39.5 to 41°C), diarrhea, lacrimation, serous discharge from the nose that becomes thick and yellowish, cough, difficulty breathing and cracked mucous membrane. Infected animals lose weight progressively and may die. In milder cases, self-healing occurs after 10-15 days.
There is no specific cure for PPR, so prevention is key. Vaccination, quarantine, restricted movement, cleaning and disinfection are the main measures to prevent the spread of disease. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have developed a global strategy for the control and eradication of PPR, with the aim of completely eradicating the disease by 2030. Effective vaccines are already available and can provide lifelong immunity to vaccinated animals.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
