Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects sheep and goats, considered one of the diseases with the greatest sanitary and economic impact on global sheep and goat farming. The disease is caused by the Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV), belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae—the same group as the rinderpest virus, human measles, and canine distemper.
PPRV infection is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in susceptible herds without a vaccination history. Clinical signs include high fever, ocular and nasal discharge, stomatitis with ulcerative lesions in the oral mucosa, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, and dehydration, frequently leading to animal death. In addition to direct impacts on mortality, the disease causes significant losses related to production decline, treatment costs, trade restrictions, and emergency sanitary measures.
Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, via respiratory secretions, feces, and contaminated objects. The movement of animals without sanitary control is a major factor in the spread of PPR, especially in regions with extensive production and informal trade. The virus does not survive for long periods in the environment, but its high transmission capacity makes control challenging.
PPR prevention and control are based on integrated strategies of biosecurity, epidemiological surveillance, and vaccination. Vaccination is considered the primary control tool, being highly effective when applied systematically and comprehensively. National and international eradication programs have been implemented, notably the global initiative led by international organizations, which aims to eradicate PPR on a worldwide scale.
Laboratory diagnosis plays a fundamental role in PPR surveillance and control. Methods such as molecular detection by RT-PCR, serological tests, and viral isolation allow for rapid confirmation of infection and support immediate sanitary actions. Early notification and outbreak investigation are essential to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce its impacts.
Continuous epidemiological surveillance, combined with sanitary education for producers and the strengthening of official veterinary services, is indispensable for the success of PPR control and eradication strategies. Thus, the integration of prevention, diagnosis, vaccination, and monitoring forms the basis for animal health protection, production security, and the sustainability of the small ruminant chain.
In this context, the use of rapid screening tests, such as the Bioperfectus PPR rapid test, represents a strategic tool for early disease detection in the field. These tests allow for the rapid identification of suspected animals directly on farms or at sanitary surveillance points, facilitating immediate decision-making, such as animal isolation, notification to competent authorities, and the referral of samples for laboratory confirmation. Thus, the rapid test contributes to the agility of control actions, reduction of virus spread, and strengthening of PPR epidemiological surveillance programs.
