Seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) virus antibodies in goats and sheep in north-eastern Uganda

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious viral disease of small ruminants in Africa and Asia. PPR outbreak in Uganda was reported in Karamoja region in July, 2007, but the disease epidemiology has not been fully explored. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence and the extent of distribution of PPR antibodies in goats and sheep within the districts surrounding Karamoja so as to guide future control efforts. Serum samples were purposively collected from eleven districts including Soroti, Kumi, Kapchorwa, Katakwi, Sironko, Bukedea, Bukwa, Kaberamaido, Lira, Pader, and Kitgum based on the history of poor goat and sheep health. Seroprevalence of PPR virus antibodies was determined using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of PPR virus antibodies in sheep and goats in the districts surrounding Karamoja region was 9.4 % (CI=95%, 7.6-11.2). No PPR virus antibodies were detected in sera from Kaberamaido and Soroti districts while Kitgum district recorded the highest seroprevalence of 21.3% (CI=95% 16.6- 25.8). This study shows that PPR antibodies were distributed beyond the initially confirmed Karamoja region. There is need for further research on the epidemiology and risk factors of PPR in Uganda. Key-words: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), seroprevalence, goats and sheep, Uganda.