Peste Des Petits Ruminants in Pawe District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Study on Seroprevalence and Associated Risk...

Ethiopia has a significant number of sheep and goats, though the benefit gained is little because of several diseases, including Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). PPR is a highly contagious and economically important transboundary disease of small ruminants, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence of PPR and identify associated risk factors in four Kebeles of the Pawe district, Northwest Ethiopia.

A total of 334 serum samples (146 from goats and 188 from sheep) were collected and tested for PPRV antibodies using competitive ELISA (c-ELISA).

Out of a total of 334 blood sera from sheep and goats tested for PPR virus antibodies, 236 (70.7%) were positive. There was no significant difference in prevalence between sheep (71.3%) and goats (69.9%). A significantly higher PPRV seroprevalence was observed in female sheep (75.7%) compared to male sheep (55%). Similarly, female goats had a higher prevalence (74.4%) than male goats (48%) (p value = 0.01). The prevalence was also significantly higher in lactating female sheep (81.8%) and goats (83.3%). Age-wise, seroprevalence was higher in older sheep (82.2%, odds ratios [OR] = 4.4) and older goats (84.1%, OR = 5.4) than their younger counterparts. The prevalence was higher in Almu Kebele (82.5%) (χ² = 7.5, p value = 0.05). Flock size, age, body condition, origin and the introduction of new animals were identified as potential risk factors associated with the prevalence.

PPR is highly prevalent in the district, indicating significant circulation of the virus in the area. This high prevalence, combined with the regular movement of animals and shared grazing lands in the area, poses a risk for the further spread of the disease. Therefore, priority should be given to the area in control and eradication efforts, along with restrictions on animal movement and targeted vaccination.