Assessment of risk factors associated with epidemiology of Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats in Abia State, Nigeria.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and trans-boundary disease caused by the PPR virus belonging to the family; Paramyxoviridae and is closely related to the Rinderpest virus of cattle. Its implications on successful small ruminant farming cannot be over-emphasized. Its current status with respect to farmers' awareness and assessment of risk factors associated with the emergence and spread of the disease were investigated. A structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from purposively selected farms on randomly selected local government areas (LGAs) in the three agricultural zones in Abia State. The questionnaires (n=42) were distributed among small ruminant farmers to determine the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures adopted by farmers, with respect to PPR in the study area. Statistical analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study highlighted high levels (78.6%) of awareness of PPR in the study area. Out of all respondents, 64.3% practiced intensive system of management and 57.1% had observed outbreaks on their farms. About 26.2% noticed the disease especially in young animals, with 64.3% observing these outbreaks at certain season of the year. Quarantine (26.2%) and control of stray sheep/goats (42.9%) were the major preventive measures adopted in the study area. Only a few respondents (33.3%) vaccinated their animals while the majority of respondents (54.7%) never practice vaccination as a preventive measure. There was significant association (p<0.05) between notice of disease, frequency of PPR occurrence, age of animals, seasons of occurrence and PPR outbreak. Limited use of veterinary services, seasons of the year, introduction of new or replacement animals into the flock without quarantine were identified risk factors associated with the emergence, spread and persistence of PPR in Abia State. Consequently, effective control measures such as mass vaccination especially at indicated peak seasons is recommended for the study area. Also, consistent extension programs for all stakeholders in the study area on the importance of PPR and economic benefits associated with curbing PPR in the area are pertinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]