Serosurvey for assessment of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus antibodies status in sheep and goats in the rural system of Odisha state, India.

Abstract

The serosurvey was carried out to determine the status of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibodies in sheep and goats in the rural system of Odisha state, India. The serum samples were collected along with host parameters from various flocks in different epidemiological units in selected three districts in the study region from January to February 2021. A total of 363 serum samples [sheep (n=130) and goats (n=233)] collected were screened by indigenous PPR competitive ELISA kit for the detection of PPRV antibodies. The results revealed that the observed prevalence of PPRV antibodies in sheep and goats was 92.0, 72.2, and 50.7 % in Balangir, Kalahandi, and Mayurbhanj districts, respectively. An overall 63.91 % (95% CI: 58.85-68.68) prevalence of antibodies were observed in small ruminants with 59.23 % (95% CI: 50.64 – 67.29) in sheep and 66.52 % (95% CI: 60.24 – 72.27) in goats, as all the districts in Odisha adopted the PPR vaccination in both sheep and goats. Further, the results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that species and districts were significantly associated with the prevalence of PPRV antibodies. The observed seroconversion was near to the recommended (70-80 %) level by the world organization for animal health (OIE), which indicates the existing PPR vaccination strategy has provided desired protection levels. However, in the present study, only ~ 60 % of epi-units in three districts, had shown >70 % prevalence of PPRV antibodies, which demands further intensive vaccination coupled with active surveillance programs to make this region a PPR free zone. For that, the mass vaccination program needs to be adopted in line with the OIE and the national strategic plan for PPR eradication 2025, for elimination of PPRV from India.