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Researchers celebrate progress to eradicate PPR virus
RVC researchers are working with a range of global partners to tackle PPR.
RVC shares details of research to compact this deadly disease of livestock.

Researchers are celebrating progress made in eradicating peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus globally.

PPR is a severe gastrointestinal and respiratory disease of sheep, goats and wildlife. Fatal in up to 90 per cent of cases, the condition threatens the livelihood of farmers across Africa, Asia and the Middle-east. Concerns have also been raised about its impact on biodiversity and its effect on women in particular. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the number of outbreaks of PPR has fallen by two-thirds in recent years, raising hopes for the goal of global eradication by 2030.

Researchers at the RVC say that the key to this eradication will be understanding the role of wildlife in transmission and ensuring that no persistence in wildlife infection complicates vaccine implementation in livestock. 

Working with its global partners, including the Pirbright Institute, CIRAD France, University of Glasgow, the College’s research has already led to several important findings, including: 
  • identifying a wide host range for the virus in African buffalo, antelope species and wild suids across East Africa 
  • determining estimated and true PPR virus antibody prevalence statistic for certain species in specific ecosystems
  • establishing evidence for spillover of the virus from small domestic ruminants to wildlife 
  • confirming the nature and patterns of disease in small livestock in East Africa 
  • providing important science for determining eradication policy and methods for surveillance and monitoring the disease.

Richard Kock, chair in wildlife health and emerging diseases at the RVC, said: “The PPR virus has now become the focus of the international community for the elimination of the second animal virus of economic and environmental significance by 2030 and our work has been fundamental in establishing the new global research network and strategy for this process.”

Image (C) RVC.

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.