Pseudorinderpest, Goat Plague, Kata
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats. Heavy losses can be seen, especially in goats; all of the affected animals in some herds may die.

Etiology

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. Four genetic lineages (lineages 1-4) have been identified.
PPRV is closely related to rinderpest virus. Antibodies to PPRV and rinderpest are cross-protective, and vaccination for rinderpest can mask the presence of peste des petits ruminants.

Transmission

Transmission of PPRV mainly occurs during close contact. Inhalation is thought to be an important route of spread. PPRV is shed in nasal and ocular secretions, saliva, urine and feces. Fomites such as water, feed troughs and bedding can probably transmit PPRV for a short time, but do not remain infectious for long periods.

Clinical Signs

Peracute cases can be seen when PPR first occurs in naïve populations of sheep or goats. In this form, the clinical signs are generally limited to high fever, severe depression and death. More often, peste des petits ruminants occurs is a subacute or acute disease. In acute cases, the initial signs include a sudden high fever, inappetence, marked depression and somnolence. Serous nasal and ocular discharges appear soon after the onset of disease; these discharges generally become mucopurulent from secondary bacterial infections. Matting is common around the eyes, and the nose may become obstructed. Within a few days of the onset of fever, the gums become hyperemic, and small, gray, necrotic foci, covering shallow erosions, begin to appear in the mouth. Lesions are most common on the lips and gums, but they can also be found on the dental pad, palate, cheeks and their papillae, and tongue. Most animals develop profuse diarrhea, which may be watery, fetid and/ or blood-stained, and sometimes contain shreds of tissue.

Control

Peste des petits ruminants can be eradicated with a combination of quarantines, movement controls, euthanasia of infected and exposed animals, and cleaning and disinfection of infected premises. Ring vaccination and/or vaccination of high-risk populations can also be helpful.