Serological prevalence and distribution of Peste des Petits Ruminants and its associated risk factors in Ntoroko District

Abstract

The seroprevalence and risk factors of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) were determined in unvaccinated sheep and goats in Ntoroko district. A total of 73 sera samples were collected from the sheep (n=33) and goats (n=40) of Bweramule, Butungama Kanara and Rwebisengo sub counties in Ntoroko district. The sera were tested for presence of antibodies against PPR using competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The overall seroprevalence of PPR was recorded as 64.4% (n=47/73); whereas, 89.5.% in Bweramule, 61.1% in Kanara, 55.6% in Rwebisengo and 50.0% in Butungama. A total of 6 risk factors were investigated using a structured questionnaire, of which 3 were found to be associated with PPR seroprevalence (p≤0.05). Among the sub-counties, Bweramule located near DRC had the highest prevalence (89.5%) of PPR followed by Kanara. PPR seroprevalence was higher in pastoralists’ animals housed in enclosed fences, animals located near the border, and animals sharing water sources. The associated 6 factors were further analyzed by logistic regression, and finally, 3 of them (enclosed housing, location near the border and water source sharing) were found to be associated with PPR seroprevalence (p≤0.05). They study revealed a high prevalence of PPR in Ntoroko district. Factors such as location next to the border, sharing water sources and enclosed increase the spread of PPR in the district. There is need for mass vaccination of all small ruminants against PPR in order to control the disease. Further research is needed to study the prevalence of PPR in neighbouring districts