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Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Small Ruminants


Introduction

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of small ruminants, primarily goats and sheep. It is characterized by fever, erosive stomatitis, diarrhea, pneumonia, and high mortality. PPR is of major economic importance in regions where small ruminants are essential for livelihoods, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Etiology
Causative Agent

PPR is caused by Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV), a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae.

Virus Characteristics
  • Enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus
  • Closely related to rinderpest virus, measles virus, and canine distemper virus
  • Sensitive to heat, drying, and disinfectants
  • Causes immunosuppression in infected animals
Epidemiology
Species Affected
  • Goats (more severely affected)
  • Sheep (variable susceptibility)
  • Wild small ruminants (can be affected)
Geographic Distribution

PPR is endemic in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with ongoing efforts toward global eradication.

Transmission
  • Direct contact with infected animals
  • Inhalation of respiratory secretions
  • Contact with contaminated feed, water, and fomites
Risk Factors
  • High animal density and movement
  • Poor vaccination coverage
  • Stress (transport, nutritional deficiencies)
  • Mixing of flocks
Pathogenesis
Entry and Initial Replication

The virus enters via the respiratory tract and replicates in lymphoid tissues.

Systemic Spread
  • Primary viremia spreads virus to lymph nodes and spleen
  • Secondary viremia leads to infection of epithelial tissues
Target Organs
  • Respiratory tract
  • Gastrointestinal tract
  • Lymphoid tissues
Immunosuppression

Destruction of lymphoid tissue leads to increased susceptibility to secondary infections.

Clinical Signs
General Signs
  • High fever (40–41°C)
  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite
Oral Lesions
  • Erosive stomatitis
  • Necrotic lesions on gums, lips, and tongue
  • Excessive salivation
Respiratory Signs
  • Nasal discharge (serous to mucopurulent)
  • Coughing
  • Dyspnea
Gastrointestinal Signs
  • Severe diarrhea (often foul-smelling)
  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss
Outcome
  • High morbidity and mortality, especially in goats
  • Death may occur within 7–10 days in severe cases
Summary for Practitioners

PPR should be suspected in small ruminants showing fever, oral erosions, diarrhea, and respiratory signs, especially in endemic regions or during outbreaks with high mortality.

Postmortem Findings
Gross Lesions
  • Erosions and ulcerations in oral cavity
  • Pneumonia (consolidation of lungs)
  • Hemorrhagic enteritis
  • “Zebra striping” of intestinal mucosa
Microscopic Lesions
  • Lymphoid depletion
  • Necrosis of epithelial tissues
  • Inclusion bodies in affected cells
Diagnosis
Clinical Diagnosis

Based on characteristic combination of oral, respiratory, and gastrointestinal signs.

Laboratory Diagnosis
  • RT-PCR for viral RNA detection
  • Virus isolation
  • Serological tests (ELISA)
Differential Diagnosis
  • Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP)
  • Pasteurellosis
  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease (oral lesions)
  • Blue tongue disease
Summary for Practitioners

Laboratory confirmation is essential due to overlap with other diseases causing respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in small ruminants.

Treatment
General Approach

No specific antiviral treatment is available for PPR.

Supportive Care
  • Fluid therapy to correct dehydration
  • Antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections
  • Nutritional support
Summary for Practitioners

Treatment is supportive and often limited in severe outbreaks. Mortality remains high in unvaccinated populations.

Control and Prevention
Vaccination
  • Live attenuated vaccines available
  • Provides long-lasting immunity
Biosecurity
  • Control of animal movement
  • Isolation of infected animals
  • Disinfection of equipment and facilities
Eradication Efforts
  • Global eradication programs led by international organizations
  • Surveillance and reporting systems
Summary for Practitioners

Vaccination is the cornerstone of PPR control. Combined with surveillance and movement control, it plays a key role in ongoing eradication efforts.

Zoonotic Importance

PPR is not zoonotic and does not infect humans.

Economic Importance

PPR causes severe economic losses due to high mortality, reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and impacts on food security in affected regions.

Summary

Peste des Petits Ruminants is a highly contagious morbillivirus disease of small ruminants characterized by fever, erosive stomatitis, diarrhea, and pneumonia. It has major economic importance and is a target for global eradication programs.