Peste Des Petits Ruminants in the Middle East: Epidemiological Situation and Status of Control and Eradication Activities after the First Phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (2017-2021)

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a burdensome viral disease primarily affecting small ruminants, which is currently targeted for eradication by 2030 through the implementation of a Global Control and Eradication Strategy (PPR GCES). The PPR GCES, launched in 2015, has strongly encouraged countries to participate in Regional PPR Roadmaps, designated according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) regions and epidemiological considerations, with each targeted by dedicated meetings and activities. Following the conclusion of the first phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (PPR GEP) (2017-2021), the present work focuses on the disease situation and status of the eradication campaign in the fourteen countries of the PPR GCES Middle Eastern Roadmap as well as Egypt. PPR is endemic to or suspected to be present in most of the region, except for Bahrain, which, as of 2021, is preparing to apply for official recognition as being free of PPR. Some substantial shortcomings are observed in surveillance and disease reporting, as well as in the implemented control strategies, most notably vaccination. Since many of these limitations are shared by many of the investigated countries, the international cooperation and harmonization of control efforts appears crucial to making PPR eradication attainable in the Middle East.

Keywords: Middle East; PPR GEP; disease eradication; goats; peste des petits ruminants; sheep; small ruminant; small ruminant morbillivirus; wildlife.

Figure 1

Map of the region showing the distribution of domestic SRs (sheep and goats), derived from GLW4 [19] and adjusted to FAOSTAT population figures for 2020 [18]. SR density (head per square km) is indicated by the colored shading.

Figure 2

Map of the considered region showing each country’s PPR official status as reported in the WOAH WAHIS and current vaccination status.

Figure 3

Map of the region showing all the PPRV lineages ever detected in each of the considered countries.

Figure 4

Map of the region detailing each country’s stage within the stepwise approach of the PPR GCES according to the latest self-assessment data (2017 for Iraq; 2021 for Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria; 2022 for Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, KSA, UAE, Yemen).

Figure 5

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Egypt from 2005 to 2020. Data from 2005 to 2016 were obtained from the WOAH WAHIS [17], while the number of PPR outbreaks occurring in the years 2017–2020 was communicated directly by country representatives at consultation meetings.

Figure 6

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Israel from 2005 to 2021 according to official reports available in the WOAH WAHIS [17].

Figure 7

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Kuwait from 2005 to 2021. Data from 2005 to 2016 were obtained from the WOAH WAHIS [17], while the information regarding PPR cases and related deaths occurring in the years 2017–2021 were presented by a national representative during the 2022 meeting for GCC countries and Yemen.

Figure 8

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Oman from 2005 to 2020. Data from 2005 to the first semester of 2017 were obtained from the WOAH WAHIS [17], while the information for the years 2018–2020 were presented by a national representative during the 2021 PPR GEP Regional Consultation on PPR control in the Middle East.

Figure 9

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Palestine from 2005 to 2021. Data from 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the WOAH WAHIS [17]. For 2006 and 2017, the available information covered only the first semester. No figures were available for the years 2018–2020, while those recorded in 2021 were communicated directly by country representatives.

Figure 10

Number of PPR outbreaks (red), cases (green) and resulting deaths (blue) reported in Yemen from 2005 to 2020 according to official reports available in the WOAH WAHIS [17]. No data are available for 2014 and 2016–2019.