DefinePK

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to December 2011 to determine the seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants and associated risk factors in sheep in Kassala and North Kordofan States of the Sudan, using cELISA. The overall seroprevalence of PPR was found to be 70.2% (576/820). There was no statistically significant difference, (P?0.05), in seroprevalences of PPR estimated in the two States, between the surveyed localities, among breeds and among the different age groups. However, statistically significant difference, (P?0.05), was found between sexes. Significant risk factors associated with cELISA positive status for PPRV in the univariate analysis were found to be State, locality, breed, sex and number of males with a p-value ?0.05. Age, herd size, number of females in the herd, number of young animals in the herd, buying animals from outside, production system practiced, mixing herds at communal points and where herds get mixed were not significant risk factors. Factors found significantly associated (P?0.05) with increased odds of being cELISA positive in the multivariate analysis were localities (Jebrat Al-Shiekh, Barra, and Al-Girba) and sex (females), number of males (?10) and number of young animals (>40) in the herd, while the factors found not significantly associated (P?0.05) with increased odds of being cELISA positive were breeds, ages, and where herds get mixed. Based on the results of the study, PPR is prevailing in the two investigated States and risk factors associated with its occurrence are locality, breed, sex and number of males in the herd. Legislation enforcement to ensure that sheep movements are controlled through the implementation of a permit system is recommended. Also all sheep owners and herders should compulsorily vaccinate their animals annually.