Introduction:
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a worldwide prevalent infectious
disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and a threat to food
security, sustainability and the prosperity of animals and humans across
Asia, the Middle East and Africa (Baron et al., 2017; Kumar et al.,
2014; OIE, 2016), characterized by fever, oculonasal discharges,
stomatitis, diarrhea and pneumonia. The morbidity rate of PPR is 100 %
and in severe outbreaks mortality reaches to 100 % (Radostits et al.,
2000). Morbidity and mortality rates vary but may reach up to 100 %
(Lefevre et al., 1990). These rates are usually lower in endemic areas
(mortality 20 % or less) and sero-surveillance is sometimes the only
indicator of the infection (Roeder et al., 1999). Diallo et al. (2007)
has reported that in acute cases, mortality varies from 70 to 80 % with
death between 10 and 12 days. Despite efforts, PPR is emerging
transboundary infection in new regions in the world affecting major
animal and economic damages. Based on epidemiological data existing, the
virus is present in 65 countries with an additional more than 20
countries being categorized as “at risk”. A recent cost-benefit
analysis study concluded that global eradication of PPR would see a
return of $74 billion over 15 years (Jones et al., 2016). Over 90% of
the world’s sheep and goat population is found in developing countries,
providing food, revenue from trade in animals and their products, plus
improved economic stability and resilience for smallholder farmers
(Herrero et al., 2013). Following the global eradication of Rinderpest
in 2011, the OIE and FAO have joined target PPR as the next animal
disease to eradicate (Lancelot et al, 2016; OIE, 2016; OIE, & FAO,
2015). Epidemiological approaches toward eradication of PPR would likely
provide considerable sustainability and welfare benefits to vulnerable
communities across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This review will
provide a regional road map of China, Mongolia, India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and Tajikistan for the scientist, policy
makers and stick holders of OIE/FAO vision 2030 for the eradication of
PPR, through understanding the regional epidemiology, PPRV lineage
distribution, regional distribution of host, impact of regional animal
movements during PPR outbreaks and associated risk factors.