Epidemiological investigation into the introduction and factors for spread of Peste des Petits Ruminants, southern Tanzania
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Date
2012
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Abstract
A study was carried out to confirm and identify sources and elucidate factors associated with
the introduction of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in southern Tanzania. This study was
conducted in Tandahimba and Newala districts of Mtwara region following suspected outbreak
of PPR in the area. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and
in-depth interviews of key informants who included goat and sheep owners with suspected
cases of PPR and animal health service providers as well as local administrative authority.
Additionally, 216 serum samples and 28 swabs were collected for serological and virological
laboratory disease confirmation. The results show that PPR was first introduced in Likuna
village of Newala district in February 2009 through newly purchased goats from the Pugu
livestock market located about 700 km in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city. Factors which
contributed to spread of PPR included communal grazing and the cheap prices of sick animals
bought by livestock keepers for slaughtering in other villages. Laboratory findings confirmed
presence of PPR in the area by RT-PCR and serological analysis revealed that seroprevalence
was 31%. These findings have confirmed, for the first time, introduction of PPR in southern
Tanzania. The presence of PPR poses high risk of southward spread of the disease to other
southern African countries in the SADC region thus calling for concerted and collaborative
efforts in prevention and control of the disease to avoid losses. Further elaborate studies on the
spread, prevalence and risk factors associated with the disease should urgently be investigated.
Description
Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 2012, Vol79(2): 457
Keywords
Peste des Petits ruminant, Southern Tanzania, Goat and sheep, Animal health service provider, Animal disease