Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) also known as sheep and goat plague, is a highly contagious viral disease. It affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats as well as a number of wild species, such as ibex and gazelles. Although cattle and pigs can be infected, they do not develop any clinical signs.
There has never been a reported case of PPR in Great Britain. Outbreaks of PPR in sheep have been reported in Romania and Greece in 2024. It is widespread in Africa, Asia and Middle East. This disease can cause severe economic loses as it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.
The PPR virus does not infect humans. However, it can cause large outbreaks in susceptible animals and significantly impact trade.
Suspicion and confirmation
Peste des Petits Ruminants is a notifiable animal disease. Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect Peste des Petits Ruminants.
APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.
Clinical signs
Signs of infection may include:
- fever
- discharge from the eyes and nose, which can form a crust, making breathing difficult and forcing eyes shut
- erosive lesions in the mouth
- diarrhoea
- respiratory signs (coughing and pneumonia)
- abortion
- death (most goats and sheep that show clinical signs of the disease will die)
It also causes immunosuppression, which makes affected animals more likely to pick up other infections. PPR could be confused with other diseases that present fever and grossly similar clinical signs, especially when it is newly introduced.
The disease with similar signs for differential diagnosis are:
- bluetongue (BT)
- contagious ecthyma (Orf)
- foot and mouth disease (FMD)
- contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP)
- pasteurellosis
Transmission
The virus is excreted in bodily fluids of infected animals especially secretions from:
- eyes
- nose
- mouth
- faeces
Virus transmission is essentially by contact with infected animals, or fresh secretions or faeces from infected animals. It may spread over short distances via aerosolised bodily fluids
Indirect transmission may happen by contaminated feed, water, pastures and animal housing.
Prevention and control
You can help to prevent Peste des Petits Ruminants from spreading by:
- responsibly sourcing livestock - consult your vet on the risks and health status of animals.
- remaining vigilant to signs of disease and report suspicion immediately.
- maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity on your premises, such as introducing quarantine for new animals.
More information:
Scientific Opinion on peste des petits ruminants (wiley.com)
Peste des petits ruminants - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health
Peste des petits ruminants virus | Virus | The Pirbright Institute