Weldegebriel Mebrahtu, Gebreslassie Tadele, Mekonnen Biruk, Shegu Dereje, Balcha Endale, Aklilu Fasil, Senbeta Bayeta
Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O Box 2084, Mekaelle, Ethiopia.
Tigray Agriculture and Natural Resource Bureau, Tigray Region, P.O Box 10, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Virol J. 2025 May 28;22(1):167. doi: 10.1186/s12985-025-02776-w.
Peste des Petits Ruminants is a contagious trans-boundary viral disease affecting domestic and wild small ruminants, causing high mortality and morbidity. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2024 in the Enderta and Kilteawulaelo districts of the Tigray region, Ethiopia. The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence, associated risk factors, and investigate the recent circulation of the Peste des Petits Ruminants virus strains in small ruminants. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from 133 sheep and 251 goats in the study districts using multistage sampling methods. In addition, 43 swab samples were obtained from animals suspected of having Peste des Petits Ruminants to detect the viral antigen. Peste des Petits Ruminants specific antibodies and viral nucleic acid were identified using the virus neutralization test and real-time PCR, respectively. The relationship between Peste des Petits Ruminants seroprevalence and the possible risk factors was examined using Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression analysis using STATA version 14. Of the 384 serum samples tested, 41.9% (n = 161) were positive for Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus antibodies. The seroprevalence in the districts of Enderta and Kilteawulaelo was 47.6% (n = 98) and 35% (n = 63), respectively, while at the species level, it was 36.8% (n = 49) in sheep and 44.6% (n = 112) in goats. The logistic regression model revealed that districts and flock size were significant risk factors of Peste des Petits Ruminants seropositivity in sheep and goats with P = 0.016 and P = 0.025 respectively. Out of 43 swab samples about 23.26% (n = 10) of the clinical samples were positive for viral nucleic acid via real-time Peste des Petits Ruminants. The serological and molecular results both confirm the presence of the Peste des Petits Ruminants virus circulating among sheep and goat populations in the study areas. Key risk factors include flock size and districts. Ongoing infections, indicated by viral nucleic acid detection, highlight the potential for wider spread. The study recommends routine vaccination, movement restrictions, continuous surveillance, farmer education, and further genetic research.
小反刍兽疫是一种具有传染性的跨界病毒性疾病，影响家养和野生小反刍动物，可导致高死亡率和高发病率。2024年1月至12月，在埃塞俄比亚提格雷地区的恩代尔塔和基尔泰阿武拉埃洛区进行了一项横断面研究。该研究旨在评估血清流行率、相关风险因素，并调查小反刍兽疫病毒毒株在小反刍动物中的近期传播情况。采用多阶段抽样方法，从研究区的133只绵羊和251只山羊中总共采集了384份血清样本。此外，从疑似患有小反刍兽疫的动物身上采集了43份拭子样本，以检测病毒抗原。分别使用病毒中和试验和实时荧光定量PCR鉴定小反刍兽疫特异性抗体和病毒核酸。使用Pearson卡方检验和STATA 14版的逻辑回归分析，研究了小反刍兽疫血清流行率与可能的风险因素之间的关系。在检测的384份血清样本中，41.9%（n = 161）的小反刍兽疫病毒抗体呈阳性。恩代尔塔区和基尔泰阿武拉埃洛区的血清流行率分别为47.6%（n = 98）和35%（n = 63），而在物种层面，绵羊的血清流行率为36.8%（n = 49），山羊的血清流行率为44.6%（n = 112）。逻辑回归模型显示，地区和畜群规模是绵羊和山羊小反刍兽疫血清阳性的显著风险因素，P值分别为0.016和0.025。在43份拭子样本中，约23.26%（n = 10）的临床样本通过实时荧光定量小反刍兽疫检测病毒核酸呈阳性。血清学和分子学结果均证实研究区域的绵羊和山羊群体中存在小反刍兽疫病毒传播。关键风险因素包括畜群规模和地区。病毒核酸检测表明正在发生感染，这凸显了病毒更广泛传播的可能性。该研究建议进行常规疫苗接种、限制动物移动、持续监测、对农民进行教育以及开展进一步的基因研究。
