Seroprevalence Study of Peste Des Petits Ruminants in Sheeps of Shabestar, Iran

Background and Aims: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) disease is one of the most important viral infections in sheep and goats that is caused by a morbillivirus from the paramixoviridae family, causing lesions in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 250 blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the apparently healthy and diseased sheep with common symptoms of PPR in Shabestar Region, Iran. Samples were randomly divided into different age groups (under 6, 6 to 12, and 12 to 24 and over 24 months). Serum samples were tested using PPR kit by ELISA antibody method to determine the prevalence. Results: The overall rate of PPR seroprevalence in Shabestar Region sheep was 28%, which was 20% in the age groups under 6 months, 37% in the 6-12 months, 26% in the 12-24 months and 17% in the above 24 months. Conclusion: According to the results,Our results revealed that the PPR seroprevalence high in sheeps of shabestar region and preventive proceeding need to control and eradication of the disease in that region. The severity of the disease was also reported in the age group of 6 to 12 months, which can be adviced as a best time for vaccination in the region.