PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants) in Sheep and Goats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Vaccination Guide

​1. Introduction: The Global Threat of "Goat Plague"

Peste des Petits Ruminants, commonly referred to as "Bakra Shanti" or "Small Ruminant Plague," is a contagious and deadly viral infection affecting goats and sheep. It is caused by a member of the Morbillivirus group. In Pakistan, small ruminants are a source of livelihood for poor rural communities, and if PPR strikes, a poor farmer will suffer a 100% loss in income.

Because of its contagious nature and 90% mortality rate, Peste des Petits Ruminants has been classified as a transboundary animal disease.

​2. Transmission: How the Virus Invades the Flock

Before we discuss how Peste des Petits Ruminants can be controlled, let's first find out how this deadly disease spreads:

​Direct Contact: 

The direct contact between healthy and infected animals is considered the major mode of transmission.

​Aerosol Transmission: 

The Peste des Petits Ruminants virus becomes airborne when an infected goat sneezes or coughs, and animal markets, popularly known as Mandis, are considered a major risk factor.

​Fecal-Oral Route: 

The Peste des Petits Ruminants virus has been found in water and food troughs, which remain infected for short periods.

​Indirect Contact: 

The sharing of equipment and caretakers moving from one shed to another without disinfection may also spread the virus.

​3. Clinical Signs and Stages

​The clinical disease of PPR is usually sub-acute or acute. To make this a high-value article, we are classifying the signs and symptoms into different systems:

​A. The Fever Phase

​The first symptom is a sudden increase in rectal temperature, ranging from 104 to 106°F. The animal is depressed, stands with its back hunched, and shows no interest in fodder.

​B. The Oral Phase (Stomatitis)

​The mucosa lining the mouth turns intensely red.

​Small greyish necrotic areas appear on the gums, dental pad, and tongue.

​These areas soon develop into painful ulcers, resulting in excessive salivation and a foul odor from the mouth.

​C. The Respiratory Phase

​Nasal Discharge:

The discharge starts as a clear fluid, later becoming thick, yellow, and crusty, often plugging the nostrils.

​Pneumonia: 

The animal may also experience labored breathing and frequent coughing as the virus infects the lungs.

​D. The Gastrointestinal Phase

​2-3 days after the fever, severe, watery, and foul-smelling diarrhea begins, resulting in rapid dehydration and death.

PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants) in Goat

4. Differential Diagnosis (Common Confusions)

​As a veterinarian, it is crucial to distinguish PPR from other similar diseases

Feature	PPR (Bakra Shanti)	CCPP	Contagious Ecthyma (Orf)
Main Symptoms	High Fever, Mouth Sores, & Diarrhea	Severe Coughing & Respiratory Distress	Scabs and Crusts on Lips & Muzzle
Mortality Rate	Very High (Up to 90%)	High (60-80%)	Low (Usually <5 td="">
Target Animals	Both Sheep & Goats	Primarily Goats	Both Sheep & Goats
Key Lesions	Zebra Stripes in Colon	Hepatization of Lungs	Warty growth on skin

5. Post-Mortem Findings (Lesions)

For DVM students and field vets, the "Zebra Stripes" is a hallmark:

​Zebra Markings:

 Linear hemorrhages in the large intestine (colon and rectum).

​Lungs: 

Dark red or consolidated areas (Bronchopneumonia).

​Lymph Nodes:

Enlarged and congested lymph nodes, especially in the thoracic region.

​6. Treatment and Management Protocols

​Since there is no specific antiviral for PPR, the objective is "Supportive Therapy" to sustain the animal while its immune system is fighting the virus.

​Fighting Secondary Infections: 

Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline or Ceftiofur to prevent bacterial pneumonia.

​Rehydration: 

Administer ORS or Dextrose Saline to replace lost fluids from diarrhea.

​Local Wound Care: 

Clean mouth ulcers with 5% Boric Acid Solution or mild Potassium Permanganate (PP) Solution.

​Anti-inflammatory Drugs: 

Administer Meloxicam or Flunixin Meglumine to reduce fever and pain.

​Nutrition: 

Provide soft, succulent green fodder. Avoid dry, prickly hay that may cause mouth ulcers to bleed.

​7. Vaccination and Prevention: The Path to Eradication

​The only way to become "PPR-Free" is through mass vaccination.

​Vaccine Type:

The attenuated Nigeria 75/1 strain is the most commonly used vaccine.

​Dosage: 

Single 1ml dose (subcutaneous injection) confers immunity for at least 3 years.

​Ideal Time: Kids to be vaccinated at 3-4 months of age after maternal immunity wanes.

​Biosecurity: Isolate affected animals immediately and bury the bodies deep with lime.

​8. Economic Impact on Pakistan's Livestock Sector

​PPR is not just an animal health problem; it is an economic disaster. It results in a decrease in milk production, reduction in weight of meat-producing animals, and skin damage that results in low-quality leather products. For a country like Pakistan, whose livestock sector contributes to a significant portion of its GDP, PPR is a serious problem.