Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Peste des Petits
Ruminants (PPR) in Small Ruminants of South-Western Balochistan,
Pakistan
Zubaria Shahid Amin1*, Muhammad Shafee1*,
Asadullah1, Zeeshan Iqbal2, Shafiq Ahmad3,
Mohsin Raza2, Babar Hilal Ahmad Abbassi1,
and Abid Hussain Mastoi3
1CASVAB,
University of Balochistan, Brewery Road Quetta, Pakistan;2
KBCMA College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Narowal Sub-Campus,
Pakistan; 3Balochistan Agriculture Research & Development
Center, (BARDC), Brewery Road, Quetta Pakistan
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of small
ruminants, responsible for significant economic losses in livestock-dependent
communities worldwide. This study investigated the seroprevalence of PPR virus
(PPRV) antibodies in sheep and goats from Mastung, Sikandar Abad (Surab), and
Kech (Turbat) districts of Balochistan, Pakistan, while also identifying risk
factors associated with disease transmission. A cross-sectional survey was
conducted using 450 serum samples (270 goats, 180 sheep) collected from 30 herds
across the three districts. Samples were analyzed through competitive
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) to detect PPRV-specific antibodies.
Additionally, a structured questionnaire gathered data on herd size, species,
age, tick infestation, and grazing practices. Logistic regression was applied to
determine associations between these factors and seropositivity. The overall
seroprevalence was 46% (206/450), with goats showing higher prevalence (50.3%;
136/270) compared to sheep (39%; 70/180). District-wise prevalence was 41% in
Mastung, 45% in Sikandar Abad, and 52% in Kech. Risk factor analysis revealed
significant associations with species (P=0.002), tick infestation (P=0.018), age
≥1 year (P<0.001), and larger herd size (≥50 animals; P<0.0001). Grazing style
(open vs. stall-fed) was not statistically significant (P=0.074). These findings
highlight moderate to high circulation of PPRV in southwestern Balochistan, with
notable variation across districts and management practices. The study provides
essential baseline data to guide evidence-based interventions, including
targeted vaccination, improved husbandry, and strategic planning for progressive
control and eventual eradication of PPR in the region.
To Cite This Article:
Amin ZS, Shafee M, Assadullah, Iqbal Z, Ahmad S, Raza M, Abbassi BHA and Mastoi
AH,
2026. Seroprevalence and risk factor
analysis of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in small ruminants of South-Western
Balochistan, Pakistan. Pak Vet J, 46(6): 1565-1572. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2026.148