Peste des petits ruminants

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Context

• In Himachal Pradesh atleast 60 sheep and goats died and another 250 fell sick due to a viral disease named Peste Des Petits Ruminants.
• Currently In highland pastures of Lahaul-Spiti, animal husbandry authorities are taking stock of situation to control the spread of this contagious disease.

Other Details

• Authorities are collecting samples and sending them for further examination.
• An awareness raising programme among shepherds is being undertaken to sensitize them about this deadly disease in a bid to reducing the mortality rate.

Peste Des Petits Ruminants

• It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by morbillivirus.
• This virus belongs to the family paramyxoviridae.
• First identified in early 1940s in Ivory Coast, this disease is later reported from many African, Asian and European nations.
• In India highest instances of this disease are reported from Himachal Pradesh.
• Other states are Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.
• Morbidity rate in affected animals can go up to 90-100%.

Symptoms

• Diarrhoea.
• Pneumonia which affects the lungs.
• Blisters in the mouth.
• Respiratory issues.
• Lacrimation.
• Serous nasal discharge.
• Depression and anorexia.

Host animal

• Most prone animals are goats and sheep.
• In comparison to goats and white-tailed deer, Sheep are less susceptible to this virus.
• Other species also host this virus, however is less prevalent, such as antelope and wild relatives of domesticated small ruminants like gazelles, bushbuck, impala, springbuck, gemsbok, bharal.
• Some species like goitered gazelle, African grey duiker, Bubal hartebeest, waterbuck, kob and African buffalo are also found infected by this

Transmission

• It happens mainly through respiratory route and spread by airborne droplets which travel to a short distance.
• Direct contact between immuno-naïve animals with other animals living in close quarters.
• A short term infection due to fomites such as such as pasture and water troughs, feed and bedding Feeding in a group.
• High local movement in a particular season.
• More research is needed to understand its transmission in other species, such as camels and antelope.

Impact on health

• Aggrieved situation of bronchopneumonia.
• Dehydration.
• Abortion risk to pregnant females.
• Reduction in milk yield.
• Death.

Inactivation of virus

• Temperatures above 70°C.
• 6 < pH < 5.6.
• Can also be inactivated using disinfectants such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, alcohols etc.
• Range of incubation period is 2 to 10 days.

Treatment

• No specific treatment for PPR is available as of now.
• Supportive care.
• Symptomatic treatment of bacterial and parasitic infection.
• Preventive measures.

Current Situation in Lahaul and Spiti

• Symptomatic treatment is being administered for sick animals.
• Sample for diagnosis are being sent to Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Jalandhar and other labs.
• Vaccination of animals is being planned.
• Veterinary pharmacists are present at the spot for the treatment of affected cattle.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/outbreak-of-highly-contagious-viral-disease-in-himachal-pradesh-s-lahaul-spiti-kills-60-sheep-and-goats-101688577630018.html