Seroprevalence and risk factors of peste des petits ruminants in sheep and goats in the Savannah district, northern Ivory Coast

Abstract

Importance: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects small domestic ruminants. The disease has a significant socioeconomic impact, causing substantial economic losses and adversely affecting international trade. Objective: This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against the PPR virus (PPRV) in sheep and goats and assessed the risk factors influencing the epidemiology of the disease in the Savannah district of northern Ivory Coast. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to December 2023, collecting serum samples from sheep (n = 510) and goats (n = 412) aged six months or older. The samples were tested for antibodies against the PPRV using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The overall seroprevalence in small ruminants was 42.62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.47–45.84). Females had a significantly higher seroprevalence (47.81% [95% CI, 44.26–51.38]) than males (19.53% [95% CI, 14.23–26.20]). In addition, small ruminants aged over two years had a seroprevalence of 60.80% (95% CI, 56.34–65.08), which was significantly higher than in those aged between one and two years (26.62% [95% CI, 21.62–33.25]) and those aged under one year (18.13% [95% CI, 13.19–24.41]). The highest local seroprevalence in small ruminants was recorded in Tengréla (50.84% [95% CI, 43.55–58.09]) and Boundiali (45.19% [95% CI, 35.91–54.82]). Conclusions and Relevance: The presence of anti-PPRV antibodies in sheep and goats in the Savannah district suggests that PPR is prevalent. Therefore, strategic control measures are needed to eradicate the disease by 2030.