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Peste des Petits Ruminants in Sheep and Goats - Henlus - 01-21-2026
What is PPR? (Peste des Petits Ruminants)
PPR is a highly contagious viral disease that affects small ruminants like sheep and goats. It spreads quickly and can kill a large number of animals, causing huge losses for farmers. The virus mainly attacks the respiratory system (lungs, nose, throat) and the digestive system (stomach and intestines).
Common Symptoms
Fever
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Nasal and eye discharge
Coughing and difficulty breathing
Mouth sores and drooling
Weakness and lethargy
High mortality in young or unvaccinated animals
PPR is a major problem in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, threatening farmers’ income and food security.
Types of PPR Vaccines
1. Live-attenuated vaccines
The main type used to prevent PPR
Usually gives long-lasting protection with just one dose
2. DIVA vaccines
Newer vaccines under development
Help tell the difference between animals infected naturally and those vaccinated
Useful for monitoring and eradication programs
3. Recombinant vaccines
Made using specific viral proteins to trigger immunity
Still being researched
How PPR Vaccines Protect Animals
Immune response: Vaccines train the animal’s body to fight the virus using both antibodies and immune cells
Protective antibodies: These prevent the real PPR virus from causing disease
How Vaccines are Given
Usually given under the skin (subcutaneous injection)
Researchers are exploring easier methods, like mixing the vaccine in feed for large herds
Vaccines are safe and effective, protecting animals for several years
Challenges and What’s Next
Cold chain: Vaccines must be kept cool during transport and storage, especially in hot climates, or they may lose effectiveness
Vaccine failure: Sometimes vaccines don’t work if they go bad due to poor handling
Eradication goal: Organizations like the FAO and WOAH aim to completely eliminate PPR globally by 2030, with vaccination as a key tool