Peste des Petits Ruminants Vaccine (Nigerian Strain 75/1) Confers Protection for at Least 3 Years in Sheep and Goats

Abstract

The present study reports the duration of immunity and protective efficacy of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine (Nigerian strain 75/1) in sheep and goats. A total of 105 sheep and goats were divided into three groups A, B and C. group A received normal recommended dose (1.0 ml) of PPR vaccine, group B received half dose (0.5 ml) of PPR vaccine and group C was kept as unvaccinated control group in contact with vaccinated animals. The post vaccination dynamics of antibodies against PPR virus was studied. It was found that significant antibody titres persisted for 3 years post vaccination in sheep and goats vaccinated with either full dose or half dose of PPR vaccine. The challenge protection studies were carried out in experimental animals at 24 and 36 month post vaccination. The vaccinates withstood challenge and were found completely resistant clinically and virologically to virulent PPR virus for 24 and 36 months post vaccination. The unvaccinated control animals developed typical clinical signs of PPR and the challenged virus was detected in ocular, nasal and oral secretions of these animals. This study demonstrated that a single immunization with PPR vaccine conferred solid protection in sheep and goats for 3 years.