Evidence and Predisposing Factors of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

The objective of the epidemiological investigation here was to explore the evidence of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)and model the factors associated with the disease in sheep and goats in Nineveh governorate, Iraq. A total of 400 animals, including 335 sheep and 65 goats from different regions in Nineveh governorate, Iraq were used in this investigation. The PPR was considered evident in study animals when their serum samples tested positive using the sheep PPR ELISA kit. Results indicated that 49% of sheep exhibited anti-PPR seropositivity, whereas 12% of goats were positive. Anti-PPR seropositivity was 38% and 81% in the east and west sides of the governorate, respectively. The odds of anti-PPR seropositivity were 2.00 and 6.11 greater in ages 6-12 and >12 months, respectively, compared with those <6 months. The odds of anti-PPR seropositivity were 4.46 times greater in females compared to males, and about two times higher in flocks with <50 or 50-100 heads compared to those with >100 heads. In conclusion, PPR is considerably evident in sheep and goats in Nineveh governorate, Iraq, with evidence that age, sex, and flock size are potential predisposing factors for the infection.