Susceptibility and Transmission Dynamics of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Domestic and Wild Ruminants: Experimental Insights from Kazakhstan

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an extremely contagious viral disease that significantly affects the health of small ruminants and the economies of livestock, particularly in areas adjacent to endemic regions. This study focused on assessing the vulnerability of different domestic and wild animal species in Kazakhstan, which includes local sheep and goats, African Cameroon goats, saigas, calves, and ground squirrels, to infection by the PPR virus (PPRV). Experimental infections used a virulent strain of PPRV (Nigeria 76/1), with animals being monitored over a period of 21-28 days to evaluate clinical signs, pathological lesions, and viral dissemination. The manifestation of disease differed across species, breed, and age. In Cameroon, goats and saigas displayed severe illness with a mortality rate of 100% and elevated virus levels in key organs, whereas local sheep and goats presented age-related subacute, abortive, and latent manifestations. Calves exhibited mild, subclinical infections, while ground squirrels showed no susceptibility. Viral shedding was observed in the secretions of infected animals, with transmission occurring through airborne and alimentary pathways. No virus carriage was detected in the animals that had recovered. The investigation emphasizes the notable variations in PPRV pathogenesis and transmission risk among different species, highlighting the necessity for focused surveillance and control strategies to avert incursions in PPR-free areas like Kazakhstan.