Peste des petits ruminants is a contagious disease of sheep and goats that is similar to Rinderpest. The disease is spread through inhalation of droplets from coughing or sneezing animals, or contact with feces or contaminated bedding.

Although peste des petits ruminants is highly contagious, it requires close contact between animals to spread. Mortality rates can reach 100 percent, especially in goat herds.

Endemic Areas

Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and India. The United States and Canada are considered free from peste des petits ruminants.

Clinical Signs

• Fever
• Restlessness
• Decreased appetite
• Nasal discharge
• Excessive salivation
• Mouth and/or nose sores
• Severe diarrhea
• Coughing

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for peste des petits ruminants. Any animal suspected of having peste des petits ruminants should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

In endemic areas, rinderpest vaccinations are often used to protect against peste des petits ruminants. However, this practice is discouraged, and new peste des petits ruminants vaccines are available. To prevent the entry and spread of the disease, follow basic biosecurity practices and quarantine any animal of unknown health status before mixing it with the rest of the herd.

Public Health

Peste des petits ruminants is not a public health threat.

Links

Peste des Petits Ruminants -Iowa State University

Peste des Petits Ruminants -University of Minnesota

Peste des Petits Ruminants Photos -DEFRA