EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF A PESTE
DES PETITS RUMINANTS (PPR) OUTBREAK IN AFGHAN SHEEP IN
PAKISTAN
A. B. ZAHUR, A. ULLAH,
H. IRSHAD, M. S. FAROOQ, M. HUSSAIN AND M. JAHANGIR
Animal Health
Laboratories, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research
Centre, Park Road,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstract
Epidemiological and virological investigations were carried out during an
outbreak of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Afghan (Bulkhi) sheep in
Pakistan.
The overall morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were 41.0, 1.2 and
3.0%, respectively. The epidemic curve was plotted and the values for basic
reproductive number (R0) and herd immunity threshold (HIT) for the affected
flock were estimated to be 6.85 and 85.4%, respectively. The morbid material
analysis by immuno-capture ELISA (Ic-ELISA) and haemagglutination assay (HA)
revealed the presence of PPR virus. The PPR virus was isolated and identified
through cytopathic effects, Ic-ELISA and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).