Peste des Petits Ruminants Viruses Re-emerging in China, 2013-2014

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants.
• PPR re-emerged in China's Xinjiang region in November 2013.
• The disease spread rapidly throughout China via livestock movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic characteristics of the re-emerged peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in China.
• To understand the phylogenetic relationships of circulating PPRV strains.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis of PPRV strains.
• Comparison of genetic sequences from different regions and time points.

Main Results:

• PPR affected 256 counties in 22 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities by September 2014.
• The re-emerged PPRV strains belong to lineage IV.
• Circulating strains show high genetic homology with strains from Pakistan and Tajikistan, and differ from earlier Tibet strains.

Conclusions:

• The re-emergence of PPR in China involved strains genetically similar to those in neighboring countries.
• Understanding the genetic makeup of PPRV is crucial for disease control and prevention strategies.