Field-Based Characterization of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Sheep in Romania: Clinical, Pathological, and Diagnostic Perspectives

TL;DR

A deadly sheep disease called PPR emerged in Romania in 2024, causing high mortality and highlighting the need for better surveillance and control.

Contribution

This study documents the clinical, pathological, and diagnostic features of PPR outbreaks in Romania, where the disease was previously unreported.

Findings

12.77% mortality rate observed in 13,203 sheep across seven PPR outbreaks in Romania.

RT-PCR and serological tests confirmed PPRV infection in all affected flocks.

Clinical signs included respiratory distress, oral erosions, and diarrhea, with high seroprevalence in older animals.

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, often resulting in severe illness and high mortality. In 2024, seven outbreaks of PPR occurred in sheep flocks in Timiș County, Romania, marking the second confirmed occurrence of the disease in the country. During field investigations conducted between July and September 2024, a total of 13,203 sheep were examined and 1687 (12.77%) died due to the infection. Affected animals displayed typical clinical signs, including mucopurulent nasal discharge, respiratory distress, oral erosions, and diarrhea. Laboratory confirmation was achieved through serological testing and molecular detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), both of which verified PPR virus infection in all affected flocks. These findings indicate the emergence of a virulent PPR strain in a region previously free of the disease, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and coordinated control measures to prevent further spread within Romania and neighboring countries.

Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease that poses a serious threat to small ruminant populations worldwide. In 2024, seven outbreaks of PPR were recorded in sheep flocks from Timiș County, marking the second confirmed incursions of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in Romania. This study aimed to document the clinical presentation, pathological findings, and diagnostic confirmation with these field outbreaks. Comprehensive field investigations were carried out between July and September 2024, including clinical examinations, post mortem analysis, serological screening, and molecular detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 13,203 sheep were evaluated, with an overall mortality rate of 12.77%. Characteristic clinical signs included mucopurulent nasal discharge, oral erosions, respiratory distress, and diarrhea. Gross lesions observed during necropsy included hemorrhagic bronchopneumonia, bile-stained liver, catarrhal enteritis, and mucosal hemorrhages. Serological testing revealed flock-level seroprevalence rates ranging from 46.7% to 80.0%, with higher rates observed in older animals. RT-PCR confirmed PPRV infection in all affected flocks. Our findings provide strong evidence of virulent PPRV circulation in an area where the virus had not been reported before. The results highlight an urgent need to strengthen surveillance systems, enhance diagnostic capacity, and foster cross-border collaboration. These field-based insights can contribute to both national and international efforts aimed at controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease.

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