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.