Document Type : Review Paper
Authors
1
Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadissiyah, Iraq
2
Department of Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
Abstract
The Peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV) poses a significant threat to small ruminants, causing substantial economic losses in affected regions. The virus exhibits pleomorphic morphology and possesses a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome. Its structural proteins, including the nucleocapsid (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix (M), fusion (F), hemagglutinin (H), and large (L) proteins, play crucial roles in viral replication, assembly, and immune evasion. The virus also encodes non-structural proteins, C and V, involved in modulating host immune responses. PPRV primarily infects sheep and goats, transmitting through respiratory aerosols and bodily fluids. The virus replicates in lymphoid tissues, leading to systemic spread and clinical manifestations such as fever, diarrhea, and pneumonia. The immune response to PPRV involves innate and adaptive components, with antibodies and T cells playing crucial roles in viral clearance. Various diagnostic techniques, including clinical examination, rapid tests, and laboratory assays, aid in PPRV detection and differentiation from other diseases. Control and prevention strategies encompass vaccination, quarantine, and biosecurity measures. Live-attenuated vaccines are widely used, but challenges persist, including heat stability and differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals. The development of thermotolerant and DIVA vaccines is crucial for effective PPR control. Ongoing research explores alternative vaccine approaches, such as subunit, vector, and nucleic acid, to enhance PPR prevention and contribute to global eradication efforts. The pursuit of innovative vaccine technologies and improved vaccination strategies holds promise for achieving the ambitious goal of eradicating PPR by 2030, safeguarding small ruminant populations and promoting food security in vulnerable regions.
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