Serological and molecular investigation of peste des petits ruminants in Adama district, eastern Shoa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminant (PPR) is one of highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants associated with severe economic losses world including Ethiopia. The present cross-sectional study was conducted in four localities of Adama district, Oromia Region, Ethiopia between November 2015 and April 2016 to determine the sero- prevalence and antigen detection of PPRV in small ruminants using c-ELISA and RT-PCR. A total of 384 sera and 100 nasal swab samples collected from small ruminants were examined. Out of which, 30.2% and 42% were found to be positive by c-ELISA and RT-PCR respectively. The prevalence of PPR was not significantly different between species (χ² = 8.23; p = 0.364) and sexes (χ² = 6.98; p = 0.404). However, the prevalence was significantly different between study localities (χ² = 8.147; p = 0.043), age groups (χ² =27.198; p = 0.000) and body conditions (χ² = 17.274; p = 0.000). Prevalence was higher in Soloke (40%),in young small ruminants (48.33%) and poor body condition animals(47.77%) than other study localities (Amede, Sefera and Bokushenen),adult small ruminants and medium/ good body conditions, respectively. This study revealed a high sero-prevalence of PPR in small ruminants in the selected study areas. This disease is detrimental to small ruminant welfare and causes substantial economic losses, thereby affecting the livelihood of poor farmers and pastoralists. The need for implementing feasible control measures is, therefore, eminent to minimize the losses associated with the disease.

Key words: c-ELISA, RT-PCR, Sero-prevalence, small ruminants, PPR.