Epidemiology, Haemato-biochemical and Pathological Changes Related to Field Outbreaks of PPR in Small Ruminants in Odisha

Abstract

Background: Odisha experiencing sporadic outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) throughout the year. There is a scarcity of available literature on PPR in Odisha till today. This is the first ever detail investigative approach in the state undertaken with an objective to corelate the epidemiological risk factors, haemato-biochemical and pathological changes in natural field outbreaks occurring in eight different districts. Methods: Fourteen field outbreaks of PPR were evaluated clinically as well as epidemiologically and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood, serum, faecal and tissue samples were collected to observe haemato-biochemical and pathomorphological changes to asses disease severity. Result: Present study concluded an overall mortality rate of 46.81%. Chi-square analysis revealed significant highest prevalence among 7-12 months (46.13%) age, Ganjam breed (45.51%) and females (80.49%). Frequent migration among the border areas along with poor management and helminthic infection was major precipitating factor. There was polycythemia along with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Significant increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), K+ and Ca+2 along with creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) BUN was observed in affected flocks. Antero-ventral consolidation of lungs, syncytia and presence of both eosinophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were major pathological changes.