Peste Des Petits Ruminants: An Update

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a notifiable and reportable disease recognised by the Office Internationale Epizooties (OIE) and penned for eradication by 2030. It is an endemic and devastating disease of small ruminants in some countries of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The disease militates against small ruminant production and increased flock numbers in the region.  Information and literature on the current review was especially obtained and compiled from CABI abstract data base, PubMed, Scopus, Elibrary USA and other online publications. This review highlights the viral structure, epidemiology, predisposing factors, clinical signs, pathology, immunoprophylaxis, diagnostic techniques and therapeutics of the disease with a view to generating increased scientific research interests on PPR. It is hoped that more robust scientific research breakthroughs could emerge particularly in the area of immunoprophylaxis, rapid penside diagnosis, and alternative therapeutics such as the use of probiotics. This will in no small measure boost small ruminant production, alleviate poverty and increase food security in countries endemic with the disease.