Peste des Petits Ruminants outbreak in Southern Tanzania

Although Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) outbreaks were reported in Northern Tanzania since 2008, there has been no criterion guiding veterinarians and farmers on recognition, epidemiology and diagnosis of this disease. PPR broke out in Southern Tanzania in 2010 and 2011, threatening a local population of over 13.5 million goats and 3.5 million sheep. A work summarized in this book intended to describe the clinical manifestations, pathological lesions, detect PPR viral nucleic acid, identify sources of introduction and spread, describe epidemiological factors and losses due to PPR in affected villages. Clinical presentation, glossy and histopathological features, serological and molecular findings were suggestive of PPR. PPR was introduced in Newala district through goats purchased from livestock market and it spread via communal grazing and selling of sick animals. The results will be used by livestock keepers, field officers, veterinarians and governmental authorities. Besides, findings will be used to develop information materials, strengthen veterinary services and devise control program and preparedness. PPR poses high risk to southward spread to other naive countries