Abstract:
The results of this study have increased knowledge on the epidemiology of PPR in
sheep in River Nile and White Nile States of the Sudan, by using cELISA testing and a
questionnaire survey. The estimated overall sero-prevalence rate was found to be 53%
(275/519). There were differences in the sero-prevalence rates between different
surveyed localities: Shendi and Almatama localities showed a significantly higher
sero-prevalence rate than the other 3 localities in River Nile State. In White Nile state
Alsalam locality showed the higher sero-prevalence rates while Rabak, Elgableen and
Algetena showed a lower rate. There were differences in the sero-prevalence rates
estimated among different breeds: Garrage showed lower sero-prevalence rates 49.2%
(123/250) than the other breeds. On the other hand, Baladi breed showed the highest
prevalence rate of 56.5% (147/260), with 95% CI between 50.47% and 62.53%, while
Hamari breed showed sero-prevalence rate of 55.6% (108/174), with a 95% CI
between 23.14 and 88.06. There were no statistically significant differences in the
sero-prevalence rates among different age groups. For sexes, females were showing a
higher sero-prevalence rate than males. Significant risk factors associated with a
cELISA positive status for PPRV in the univariate analysis using the chi-square test
were found to be locality, sex, age, herd composition, cleaning, migratory routes, season,
morbidity rate, mortality rate, abortion rate, affecting production, loss during year, using
outside rams and vaccination (p-value ≤ 0.05). State, herd size, breed, signs in herd,
cleaning after abortion, udder cleaning and veterinary service, were not identified as
significant risk factors. The only factors found to be significantly associated with
increased odds of being cELISA positive in the multivariate analysis was sex (females).
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From the economic analysis it found that disease caused big loss due to PPR and there
was significant association between abortions, death, cost of abortion and cost of death
and PPR infection in the two states.
Investigation results suggest that PPR has taken an endemic pattern of occurrence in
the Sudan as reported from other countries in East Africa. Urgent need therefore exists
to initiate a realistic network for surveillance, control and eradication of this important
disease in the Sudan and in the region. Such scheme is suggested and supported at high
levels and it should immediately be launched as recommended by OIE.
