Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Prevalence of Peste Des Petits Ruminants in West African Dwarf Sheep and Goat

After the groundbreaking eradication of rinderpest, peste des petits ruminants is currently the target for global eradication by 2030. Understanding the factors affecting its prevalence is imperative for effective, evidence-based planning for the eradication of the disease. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting PPR prevalence in sheep and goats (403) kept by smallholder farmers were investigated using the positivity of faecal samples to Haemagglutination Assay (HA). Data on positivity to HA, HA titre and rectal temperature of the animals were statistically analyzed. Overall PPR prevalence of 86.0% was recorded for West African Dwarf sheep and goats. Effect of species and coat color were significant on PPR prevalence with an indication that goats had a higher (P<0.05) estimate (84.9%) compared to the PPR prevalence (65.9%) in sheep. Location affected PPR prevalence with highest prevalence (87.6%) recorded in Oyo compared to Ogun (67.9%), while Osun state had 76.2%. The effects of gender and age were not significant (p>0.05). PPR is endemic in three southwestern States of Nigeria and its prevalence in small ruminant may be influenced by coat color, species and location, thus farmer sensitization, advocacy and public enlightenment on the PPR control require urgent attention.