Evaluation of the Biennial Vaccination Campaign against Peste Des Petits Ruminants in the Bagamati Province in Nepal

Abstract

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects goats and sheep. Morbidity can reach 90%, and mortality can reach 50–100% in severe cases. PPR is brought on by the Peste des petits ruminant’s virus. It is mostly transmitted by direct contact between infected and vulnerable animals. Bagmati Province, a potential province for goat and sheep farming, has conducted a weekly vaccination campaign against PPR disease with the approved action plan throughout the districts at the same time interval for two successive fiscal years, 2021 and 2022, aiming to facilitate systematic and effective immunization programs against this disease in Bagamati Province. Prior to the campaign, there was a continuous outbreak of PPR throughout the districts of Bagamati Province. Overall, vaccination coverage rates were found to be 70% and 77%, respectively, in FY 2021 and 2022. As a result, the community is now better protected against the infectious disease PPR, laying the foundation for improved animal health outcomes in the future. Seromonitoring was performed by the central veterinary laboratory in coordination with district veterinarians, and the results showed it to be effective. Due to the campaign, only two outbreaks have been reported to the date of the study, which in turn proved that the vaccination campaign was functional and has been a resounding success, effectively reaching a substantial portion of the target population. In conclusion, continued momentum in such campaigns is crucial to ensuring the longevity of this positive impact and fostering healthier and more quality products from sheep and goats.