Regional PPR Status in Asia
PPR is considered to be the most significant economic threat to the
development of sustainable small ruminant’s production across the
developing world, particularly in Asia. The infection in Asia was first
described in southern India and cause significant economic losses. For
example, in India, the estimated annual loss caused by PPR in sheep and
goats was about US$ 1,297 million per year (Shaila et al., 1989, Nanda
et al., 1996, Singh et al, 2014). PPR remains endemic in most of the
SAARC countries in the region except Sri Lanka Maldives and Bhutan had
sporadic outbreaks. There is high risk of incursion of the virus through
animal movements and imports of small ruminants even in the countries,
region and areas which are free and/or have sporadic assurances. The
countries in South Asian region have varied capacities, capabilities and
facilities in the fields of epidemiology, diagnosis and vaccine
production. India is implementing PPR control programme in a phased
manner. Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan have their localized control
programmes for PPR. Also Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan has
developed national action plan for the eradication of PPR in accordance
with global eradication campaign (Samad et al., 2019). As per July 2018
according to OIE Standards, among the 48 countries in Asia recognized by
the United Nations, only two countries (Singapore and Philippines) have
PPR-free official status.