Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Small Ruminants of Punjab, Pakistan

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease prevalent in sheep and goats, and causes significant economic losses. The study was conducted in 2024 in Punjab Province, Pakistan, to estimate the seroprevalence of the PPR virus (PPRV) and to analyze animal-level risk factors in unvaccinated small ruminants. Over a 12-month period, multistage random sampling provided 722 serum samples of sheep and goats aged 6 months or older, collected across six districts. The anti-PPRV antibodies were detected using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and species, age, sex, breed, parity, lactation status, pregnancy status, body condition score (BCS), and reproductive history were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The overall seroprevalence rate was 79.77%, but significantly higher in goats (90.27%) than in sheep (68.75% and p  < 0.0001). The results demonstrated district wise disparity, with variation in seroprevalence between districts: 52.05% (Okara) and 100% (Nankana). An increased likelihood of seropositivity was found to be associated with male sex, some breeds (Makhi Cheeni and Beetal), certain species-district interactions, and age-sex interactions. These data confirm the high endemicity of PPRV in Punjab and justify the targeted vaccination and surveillance in high-risk areas and among susceptible animal populations.