Seroprevalence of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Peste des petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) in nonvaccinated sheep and goats in Sarawak, Malaysia

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) are economically important viral diseases that threaten small ruminant production globally. While previous studies have reported their serological status in Peninsular Malaysia, there is limited epidemiological information on their occurrence in East Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of SRLVs and PPRV among nonvaccinated sheep and goats from selected smallholder farms in Sarawak. A total of 245 serum samples collected from sheep (n = 117) and goat (n = 128) were screened using commercial ID Screen® PPR competition (PPRC ver. 0821) and MVV/CAEV indirect (VISNAS ver. 0922) ELISA test kits. The results of ELISA assays indicate 7.4% (95% CI: 4.7-11.3) apparent and 6.9% (95% CI: 4.0- 11.3) true seroprevalence for SRLVs and 5.7% (95% CI: 3.4-9.4) apparent and 5.1% (95% CI: 2.6-9.1) true seroprevalence for PPRV in the sample. Further exploratory univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that PPRV seropositivity was significantly associated with the farm management system (OR = 4.176, 95% CI: 1.14-15.36, P = 0.031), indicating a higher risk of exposure in the semi-intensive management system. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first preliminary serological evidence of SRLVs and PPRV among nonvaccinated smallholder sheep and goat flocks in Sarawak, suggesting the need for surveillance and a full-scale epidemiological study.