PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
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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

*Corresponding author: shafeedr73@gmail.com; zubaria.qta@gmail.com

Abstract   

 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

 
 
   
 

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



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