Efficacy of homologous peste des petits ruminants vaccine on sheep and goats at dengi, plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of homologous peste des petits ruminants vaccine (HPPRV) on flock size, morbidity and mortality in sheep and goats was determined in five locations, Unguwan Goje, Bayan Fada, Lowcost, Kyamsangi, and Bagyar, in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Counter Immunoelectro-osmo-phoresis (CIEOP) techniques were used to confirm the incidence of the disease. Pre- and post-vaccination data on flock size, morbidity and mortality were collected through surveys and personal interviews. Majority (80%) of goats aged less than 1 year showed signs of the disease while no incidence was recorded on sheep of the same age. A statistically significant (p<0.05) difference was recorded on morbidity prior to vaccination (n = 372, mean = 74) and that post vaccination (n = 145, mean = 29 animals). Also, the mean flock/herd mortality of 9.40% pre-vaccination and 3.78% post-vaccination were significantly (p<0.05) different. It was concluded that HPPRV was effective in control of peste des petits ruminants disease and was recommended for small ruminants. It is suggested that an annual vaccination programme using HPPRV could reduce mortality and increase productivity of small ruminants in the study area.

Key words: Peste des petits ruminants, homologous PPR vaccine, sheep and goats.