Sero-epidemiology of Peste des petits ruminants infection and the associated risk factors in South Kivu, DR. Congo

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) are an acute viral disease of small ruminants caused by Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The PPRV has high morbidities and mortality rates in domestic small ruminants causing high socio-economic losses to the farmers. This study determined the Sero-prevalence of PPR associated with transmission risk factors in unvaccinated sheep and goats in South-Kivu province in DR. Congo. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and a semi-structured questionnaire were used in data collection. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 28.5% with a 11.3% and 32.7% seropositivity in sheep and goats, respectively. Peste des petits ruminants seroprevalence was higher in the territories that recorded high rainfall at 34.5% and 29.4% in Shabunda and Mwenga, respectively. Ruminant’s age, grazing and farming system, geographic location of the territory, and animal’s origin were found to be the most significant risk factors. Further, PPR seroprevalence was higher in small ruminants kept under communal grazing system. Considering that this was a snap shot study from an assessment perspective, there is need to undertake more robust studies with a focus on molecular characterization and isolation of PPR virus in the DR. Congo.