Seroprevalence and risk factors of Peste des Petits Ruminants virus infection in small ruminants in the Nile Delta Region of Egypt.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) in small ruminants (sheep and goats) across three governorates in the Nile Delta region of Egypt and to identify the associated risk factors. A total of 780 samples were collected and analyzed for PPRV antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 30.5%, with significant variations between sex, age, flock size, vaccination status, introduction of new animals and water source. The highest seroprevalence was observed in female animals (32.5%), adult animals (43.8%), and large flock (62.3%). Additionally, unvaccinated animals and those sharing water sources had a higher likelihood of seropositivity. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that age, sex, herd size, and vaccination status were significantly associated with PPRV infection. These findings emphasize the need for targeted vaccination campaigns, better management practices, and stricter control of animal movement and water source sharing to reduce the spread of PPR in small ruminants.