Peste des petits ruminants caused by small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV), is a highly contagious disease of small ruminant. It is endemic in Gligit-Baltistan (GB) territory of Pakistan where a number of clinical cases are being reported frequently. However, so far, the phylogenetic relationship of prevailing strains in this particular geography has remained elusive. We carried out a study to characterize partial N gene of PPR viruses from outbreaks during years 2017-18 from GB. Out of 30 clinical samples analyzed, 27 percent (n=8) were positive for N gene (351). However, owing to close relationship expected among study sequences, only two samples from sheep and one from goat were sequenced by phylogenomic analysis using a range of bioinformatics tools. Phylogeny analysis revealed a close relatedness with the previously reported viruses with lineage IV. Sequence composition showed high level of homology with circulating viruses suggesting that that these viruses do not undergo rapid genetic changes in N gene. However, a number of genomic and residue substitutions were noted within the prevalent viruses as compared to those reported previously. This study provides the first genetic evidence of SRMV strains sequence analysis of partial N gene involved in recent outbreaks in the GB region. Future studies are necessary to further ascertain the study outcomes and elucidate the molecular epidemiology of prevalent strains in the said geographical area for better disease control and management interventions.

To Cite This Article: Rasheed M, Akhtar T, Roohi N, Arooj N, Rasheed M, Farooq M and Yousaf M, 2020. Elucidating the genetic diversity of prevalent strains of Peste des Petits ruminants virus in Gilgit-Baltistan province, Pakistan. Pak Vet J, 40(1): 73-76. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2019.090