Presence of Anaplasma spp. and Their Associated Antibodies in the Swedish Goat Population.

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that has a severe impact on livestock production and welfare. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the presence of Anaplasma spp. and associated antibodies in a subset of the Swedish goat population. In 2020, six goat herds located in different parts of Sweden were visited and whole blood and serum samples were collected. The whole blood samples (n = 40) were analysed for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra using quantitative and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serum samples (n = 59) were analysed for the presence of antibodies to Anaplasma spp. using a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the same analysis was carried out on additional serum samples previously collected in 2018, 2019 and 2020 (n = 166). One goat (2.5%) tested positive for the presence of A. phagocytophilum genetic material, while the seropositivity rate ranged from 20 to 71%, depending on the surveyed year and area. These results indicate widespread exposure to Anaplasma spp. in the Swedish goat population. To inform future risk assessments and control efforts, further research is warranted to determine the prevalence of anaplasmosis and its impact on goat farming in Sweden.

First and Second-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Resistance Patterns in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Zambia.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis has continued to be a serious global health threat defined by complexity as well as higher morbidity and mortality wherever it occurs, Zambia included. However, the paucity of information on drug-susceptibility patterns of both first-line and second-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs, including the new and repurposed drugs used in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Zambia, was the major thrust for conducting this study. METHODS: A total of 132 bacteriologically confirmed TB isolates were collected from patients with pulmonary TB during the period from April 2020 to December 2021 in Southern and Eastern Provinces of Zambia. Drug-resistance profiles were determined according to four first-line and five second-line anti-TB drugs. Standard mycobacteriological methods were used to isolate and determine phenotypic drug susceptibility. Data on the participants' social-demographic characteristics were obtained using a pre-test checklist. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of resistance to one or more anti-TB drugs was 23.5% (31/132, 95% CI: 16.5-31.6%). A total of 9.8% (13/132, 95% CI: 5.3-16.2%) of the patients had multidrug-resistant TB and 1.2% were new cases, while 25.5% had a history of being previously treated for TB. Among those with mono-resistant TB strains, isoniazid (INH) resistance was the highest at 9.8% (13/132, 95% CI: 5.3-16.2%). Two (2/31) (6.5%) XDR-TB and one (1/31) (3.2%) pre-XDR-TB cases were identified among the MDR-TB patients. Previously treated patients were 40 times more likely (OR; 40.3, 95% CI: 11.1-146.5%) to have drug-resistant TB than those who had no history of being treated for TB. CONCLUSION: This study has established a high rate of multidrug-resistant TB and has further identified both pre-XDR- and XDR-TB. There is a need to intensify surveillance of MDR- and XDR-TB to inform future guidelines for effective treatment and monitoring.

Genetic parameters of colostrum and calf serum antibodies in Swedish dairy cattle.

BACKGROUND: A sufficient IgG content in the colostrum is essential for the newborn calf, as it provides passive immunity which substantially affects the probability of survival during rearing. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) occurs when a calf does not absorb enough antibodies from the colostrum and is defined by an IgG concentration in calf serum lower than 10 g/L. Apart from delayed access to colostrum, FPT can be due to a low production of IgG in the mother or poor IgG absorption by the calf. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic background of antibody levels and indicator traits for antibodies in the colostrum and calf serum, and their correlation with milk production. RESULTS: Colostrum data were available for 1340 dairy cows with at least one calving and calf serum data were available for 886 calves from these cows. Indicator traits for antibody concentrations were estimated using refractometry (a digital Brix refractometer for colostrum and an optical refractometer for serum), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine the levels of total IgG and natural antibodies (NAb) of various antibody isotypes in the colostrum and calf serum. Colostrum traits had heritabilities ranging from 0.16 to 0.31 with repeatabilities ranging from 0.21 to 0.55. Brix percentages had positive genetic correlations with all colostrum antibody traits including total IgG (0.68). Calf serum antibody concentrations had heritabilities ranging from 0.25 to 0.59, with a significant maternal effect accounting for 17 to 27% of the variance. When later in life calves produced their first lactation, the lactation average somatic cell score was found to be negatively correlated with NAb levels in calf serum. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that antibody levels in the colostrum and calf serum can be increased by means of selection.

Expansion in host dynamics of peste des petits ruminants: Potential attribute of outbreaks in disease-endemic settings.

Since the first case report in 1942, the peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) has been causing infection in a wide range of susceptible hosts, particularly in disease-endemic regions. In the last 40 years, various reports highlighted the evidence of disease and viral genome in around 46 animal species from nine diverse families, including Bovidae, Cervidae, Camelidae, Suidae, Canidae, Felidae, Muridae, and Elephantidae. This evidence of clinical and/ or subclinical infection and the presence of the virus in an extended range of susceptible hosts emphasizes the cross-species transmission that remains a significant obstacle to effective control, particularly in disease-endemic regions. Therefore, a better understanding of virus transmission, host susceptibility, and epidemiological investigation of the disease is crucial to achieving the goals of efficient disease control and eradication programs initiated by OIE and FAO in various diseases-endemic regions. Nevertheless, the propensity of PPRV to inter- and intra-transmission may be a possible constraint in disease control strategies in terms of the new outbreak with the involvement of unusual or novel hosts. Considering this aspect, we tried to summarize the scattered data on PPR in available information about the susceptibility of a wide range of wildlife species, large ruminants, camels, and unusual hosts.

Seroepidemiology of selected transboundary animal diseases in goats in Zambia.

Transboundary pathogens of goats present significant constraints to the livelihoods of millions of farmers in countries such as Zambia. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), Brucella spp., Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in Zambian goats. Another aim was to identify associations between seroprevalence and different predictor variables, such as trade and border proximity. From September to October 2019, 962 serum samples were collected from goats in seven Zambian districts, four of which have an international border while the remaining three do not. A questionnaire survey was conducted with each household, focusing on trade routines, management strategies and herd disease history. Animal-level seroprevalence adjusted for herd-level clustering was 8.2 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 7.5-9.0) for Mccp, 12.9% (95% CI 12.0-13.7) for FMDV, 13.0 % (95% CI 12.1-13.9) for Brucella spp., 3.3 % (95% CI 2.8-3.7) for CCHFV, and 0.4 % (95 % CI 0.3-0.7) for RVFV. The association between herd-level seroprevalence and border proximity and trade appeared negligible, with the exception of selling goats at least twice a year which was identified as a potential risk factor for Brucella spp. (OR 4.1, 95 % CI 1.1-16.0, p = 0.040). In addition, a positive association between herd-level seroprevalence of FMDV and a herd size of 21 goats or more (OR 3.3, 95 % CI 1.0-11.1, p = 0.049) was detected. Also, positive associations between animal-level seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and increasing age (OR 7.7, 95 % CI 1.5-40.7, p = 0.016), and CCHFV and keeping pigs in the household (OR 2.7, 95 % CI 1.0-7.1, p = 0.044), were found. For FMDV (OR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.4-10.9, p = 0.011) and Brucella spp. (OR 4.5, 95 % CI 1.2-17.3, p = 0.031) on the other hand, animal-level seroprevalence was significantly higher in households without pigs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to describe the presence of antibodies for CCPP and CCHF in the Zambian goat population. While the association between seroprevalence and trade and border proximity generally appeared negligible, it is recommended that their influence is further evaluated in future studies, preferably through in-depth longitudinal studies incorporating impacts of different biosecurity measures and trade variations, linked to for example seasonality and trade peaks.

Seropositivity rates of zoonotic pathogens in small ruminants and associated public health risks at informal urban markets in Zambia.

Informal livestock markets are an important source of animal-derived proteins for growing urban populations in countries such as Zambia. In parallel, they can also constitute pathways of zoonotic pathogen transmission to humans. This risk is aggravated by limited disease monitoring and poor control systems with regards to biosecurity and public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the risks for spread of zoonotic diseases in Zambia's two largest informal small ruminant markets, located in Lusaka and Kasumbalesa, through combining seroepidemiology with interviews and observations. In April, May and September 2018, serum samples (n = 237) were collected and analysed for antibodies for the zoonotic pathogens Brucella spp., Coxiella (C.) burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In addition, slaughterhouse activities were observed and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions held with slaughterhouse workers and small ruminant traders, focusing on the handling of animals and meat, and the perceptions of zoonotic disease risks at slaughter and consumption. The study found seropositivity rates of 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.60-14.7) for Brucella spp., 5.9% (95% CI 3.27-9.71) for C. burnetii, and 0.8% (95% CI 0.10-3.01) for RVFV. Interviews with value chain members and observations at the slaughterhouse revealed unsanitary procedures and multiple occupational hazards for slaughterhouse workers. This study showed that the Zambian informal small ruminant trade system poses risks to public health, and that these risks are exacerbated by a lack of information about food-borne diseases and how associated risks can be mitigated amongst value chain actors. The results of this study can be used to formulate preventive measures to improve informal meat markets and reduce the risks to public health.

Molecular Diversity of Hard Tick Species from Selected Areas of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Morogoro Region, Tanzania.

Ticks are one of the most important arthropod vectors and reservoirs as they harbor a wide variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, which can cause diseases in human and livestock. Due to their impact on human, livestock, and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is needed. So far, the published data on the molecular diversity between hard ticks species collected in Tanzania is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity between hard tick species collected in the wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania using the mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene sequences. Adult ticks were collected from cattle (632 ticks), goats (187 ticks), and environment (28 ticks) in the wards which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park. Morphological identification of ticks was performed to genus level. To identify ticks to species level, molecular analysis based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene was performed. Ticks representing the two genera (Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus) were identified using morphological characters. Six species were confirmed based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene, including Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hhyalomma turanicum. The presence of different clusters of tick species reflects the possible biological diversity of the hard ticks present in the study region. Further studies are however required to quantify species of hard ticks present in the study region and the country in general over a larger scale.

Serological Evidence of Exposure to Peste des Petits Ruminants in Small Ruminants in Rwanda.

The status of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Rwanda is unknown, despite its prevalence in neighboring countries. A cross-sectional sampling of goats and sheep was carried out in five districts of Rwanda located closer to neighboring countries endemic to PPR. Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA, to detect antibodies to PPR virus (PPRV). Sixty-eight samples [14.8, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 11.7-18.4] were seropositive for PPR, of which 17.4% (95% CI: 11.6-24.6; 25/144) were from sheep, whereas 13.6% (95% CI: 10.0-17.9; 43/316) were from goats. Seropositivity ranged from 8.9 to 17.3% (goats) and from 10.5 to 25.8% (sheep) in sampled districts. Seropositivity was slightly higher in males than females in both goats (15.7 vs. 12.4%) and sheep (17.7 vs. 17.1%), and were significantly marked in goats and sheep aged more than 15 months (goats: 17.9, 95% CI: 12.9-24.0; sheep: 22.2, 95% CI: 14.1-32.2) than those between 6 and 15 months (goats: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.5-12.1; sheep: 9.3, 95% CI: 3.1-20.3). Sampling was non-randomized and results are not representative of the true prevalence of PPR antibody in small ruminants. Thus, data does not allow to fully discuss the findings beyond the presence/absence certitude and the comparisons made must be interpreted with caution. The presence of specific antibodies to PPRV may, however, be linked to one or a combination of following scenarios: (1) prevalence and persistence of PPRV in sampled regions which would cause low level of clinical cases and/or mortalities that go unnoticed; (2) introduction of PPRV to herds through movements of livestock from neighboring infected countries, and/or (3) events of disease outbreaks that are underreported by farmers and veterinarians. In addition to strengthen veterinary surveillance mechanisms, further studies using robust sampling methods and integrating livestock and wildlife, should be carried out to fully elucidate PPR epidemiology in Rwanda.

Genetic Relationship Between Hard Ticks (Ixodidae) Infesting Cattle from Select Areas of a Wildlife-Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Background: There has recently been a substantial increase in the number of tick species and tick-borne infectious agents in Tanzania. Owing to their impact on human, livestock, and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is needed. So far, no published data on the genetic relationship between hard tick (Ixodidae) sequences collected from cattle are available in Tanzania. Methods: Ticks from cattle in the wards, which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park, were collected in the dry season, November to December 2019. Morphological identification of ticks was initially performed at the genus level. To identify ticks at the species level, molecular analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was performed. Evolutionary relationships and genetic distances between ticks were determined using MaximumLikelihood and Kimura 2-parameter methods, respectively. Results: Based on morphology, two genera (Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma) were identified in the 630 adult ticks collected from a total of 252 cattle. Six species (Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum, and Hyalomma turanicum) were confirmed by BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses. Considerable mean and pairwise genetic distances were observed for Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma genera. Conclusion: The presence of different phylogenetic clusters and considerable mean and pairwise genetic distances observed reflect possible biological diversity of hard ticks present in the study area. Considering the value of the cattle in the livelihoods and economies of people and the country, the outcomes of this study will be useful in planning integrated control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Tanzania.

Could Naturally Occurring Coronaviral Diseases in Animals Serve as Models for COVID-19? A Review Focusing on the Bovine Model.

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of basic studies on coronaviruses (CoVs) in general, and severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in particular. CoVs have for long been studied in veterinary medicine, due to their impact on animal health and welfare, production, and economy. Several animal models using coronaviral disease in the natural host have been suggested. In this review, different animal models are discussed, with the main focus on bovine CoV (BCoV). BCoV is endemic in the cattle population worldwide and has been known and studied for several decades. SARS-CoV-2 and BCoV are both betacoronaviruses, where BCoV is highly similar to human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43, encompassing the same virus species (Betacoronavirus 1). BCoV causes respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in young and adult cattle. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the similarities and dissimilarities between BCoV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as discussing the usage of BCoV as a model for human CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2.

Application of Viral Metagenomics for Study of Emerging and Reemerging Tick-Borne Viruses.

Ticks are important vectors for different tick-borne viruses, some of which cause diseases and death in humans, livestock, and wild animals. Tick-borne encephalitis virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Kyasanur forest disease virus, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus, Heartland virus, African swine fever virus, Nairobi sheep disease virus, and Louping ill virus are just a few examples of important tick-borne viruses. The majority of tick-borne viruses have RNA genomes that routinely undergo rapid genetic modifications such as point mutations during their replication. These genomic changes can influence the spread of viruses to new habitats and hosts and lead to the emergence of novel viruses that can pose a threat to public health. Therefore, investigation of the viruses circulating in ticks is important to understand their diversity, host and vector range, and evolutionary history, as well as to predict new emerging pathogens. The choice of detection method is important, as most methods detect only those viruses that have been previously well described. On the other hand, viral metagenomics is a useful tool to simultaneously identify all the viruses present in a sample, including novel variants of already known viruses or completely new viruses. This review describes tick-borne viruses, their historical background of emergence, and their reemergence in nature, and the use of viral metagenomics for viral discovery and studies of viral evolution.

Evolutionary genetics of canine respiratory coronavirus and recent introduction into Swedish dogs.

Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) has been identified as a causative agent of canine infectious respiratory disease, an upper respiratory infection affecting dogs. The epidemiology is currently opaque, with an unclear understanding of global prevalence, pathology, and genetic characteristics. In this study, Swedish privately-owned dogs with characteristic signs of canine infectious respiratory disease (n = 88) were screened for CRCoV and 13 positive samples (14.7%, 8.4-23.7% [95% confidence interval (CI)]) were further sequenced. Sequenced Swedish CRCoV isolates were highly similar despite being detected in dogs living in geographically distant locations and sampled across 3 years (2013-2015). This is due to a single introduction into Swedish dogs in approximately 2010, as inferred by time structured phylogeny. Unlike other CRCoVs, there was no evidence of recombination in Swedish CRCoV viruses, further supporting a single introduction. Finally, there were low levels of polymorphisms, in the spike genes. Overall, we demonstrate that there is little diversity of CRCoV which is endemic in Swedish dogs.

Sentinel surveillance of selected veterinary and public health pathogens in camel population originating from Southern Punjab province, Pakistan.

An extended range of host susceptibility including camel has been evidenced for some of the important veterinary and public health pathogens, such as brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and bluetongue (BT). However, in disease endemic settings across many parts of the globe, most of the disease control interventions accounts for small and large ruminants, whereas unusual hosts and/or natural reservoirs, such as camels, remain neglected for disease control measures including routine vaccination. Such a policy drawback not only plays an important role in disease epizootiology particularly in settings where disease is endemic, but also serves an obstacle in disease control and subsequent eradication in future. With this background, using pre-validated ELISA and molecular assays [multiplex PCR, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and real-time (rt)-PCR], we conducted a large-scale pathogen- and antibody-based surveillance for brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants and bluetongue in camel population (n = 992) originating from a wide geographical region in southern part of the Punjab province, Pakistan. Varying in each of the selected districts, the seroprevalence was found to be maximum for bluetongue [n = 697 (70.26%, 95% CI: 67.29-73.07)], followed by PPR [n = 193 (19.46%, 95% CI: 17.07-22.09)] and brucellosis [n = 66 (6.65%, 95% CI: 5.22-8.43)]. Odds of seroprevalence were more significantly associated with pregnancy status (non-pregnant, OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.86-5.63, p<0.01), farming system (mixed-animal, OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.56-4.29, p<0.01), breed (Desi, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.28-4.03, p<0.01) and farmer education (illiterate, OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.45-6.93, p<0.01) for BTV, body condition (normal, OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.92-6.54, p<0.01) and breed (Desi, OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.09-4.40, p<0.01) for brucellosis, and feeding system for PPR (grazing, OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.79-4.22, p<0.01). Among the total herds included (n = 74), genome corresponding to BT virus (BTV) and brucellosis was detected in 14 (18.92%, 95 CI: 11.09-30.04) and 19 herds (25.68%, 95% CI: 16.54-37.38), respectively. None of the herds was detected with genome of PPR virus (PPRV). Among the positive herds, serotype 1, 8 and 11 were detected for BTV while all the herds were exclusively positive to B. abortus. Taken together, the study highlights the role of potential disease reservoirs in the persistence and transmission of selected diseases in their susceptible hosts and, therefore, urges necessary interventions (e.g., inclusion of camels for vaccine etc.) for the control of diseases from their endemic setting worldwide.

Peste des petits ruminants in large ruminants, camels and unusual hosts.

Since its first report in 1942, peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) has caused several epidemics in a wide range of susceptible hosts around the world. In the last 30 years, the evidence of natural and experimental infections and virus isolation were reported from novel but unusual hosts such as camel, cattle, buffalo, dogs, Asiatic lion and pigs. In addition, PPRV in a potential vector, biting midges (Culicoides imicola), has been reported. Either presented as clinical and/or subclinical infections, the presence of the virus in an extended range of susceptible hosts highlights the cross-species transmission and supports the hypothesis of an endemic circulation of PPRV among susceptible hosts. However, the potential role of large ruminants, camels and unusual hosts for PPRV epidemiology is still obscure. Therefore, there is a need for molecular and epidemiological investigations of the disease among usual and unusual hosts to achieve the goals of disease control and eradication programmes initiated by national and international organisations, such as the FAO and OIE. This review is the first to summarise the scattered data on PPR in large ruminants, camels and unusual hosts to obtain the global scientific communities' attention for further research on epidemiological aspects, not only in its native hosts, but also in large ruminants, camels and other unusual hosts.

Peste des petits ruminants in wild ungulates.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious viral disease of domestic small ruminants. It also affects wild ungulates but there are comparatively few studies of the incidence of natural infection, clinical signs and pathology, and confirmation of the virus, and in these species. In this article, we list the wild ungulates in which PPRV infection has been confirmed and summarize available information about the presentation of the disease, its identification, and impact of virus on wildlife populations. Considering recent reports of outbreaks by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), it is important to understand the transmission of this disease within wildlife populations in PPR endemic regions.

History and current status of peste des petits ruminants virus in Tanzania.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes the acute, highly contagious disease peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that affects small domestic and wild ruminants. PPR is of importance in the small livestock-keeping industry in Tanzania, especially in rural areas as it is an important source of livelihood. Morbidity and case fatality rate can be as high as 80-100% in naïve herds; however, in endemic areas, morbidity and case fatality range between 10 and 100% where previous immunity, age, and species of infected animal determine severity of outcome. PPR was officially confirmed in domestic animals in the Ngorongoro district of Tanzania in 2008. It is now considered to be endemic in the domestic sheep and goat populations throughout Tanzania, but restricted to one or more areas in the small ruminant wildlife population. In this article, we review the history and the current status of PPR in Tanzania and neighboring countries. To control and eradicate PPR in the region, a joint effort between these countries needs to be undertaken. The effort must also secure genuine engagement from the animal holders to succeed.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Sheep and Goats at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Punjab Province, Pakistan.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is causing infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality rate in domestic and wild small ruminants of Pakistan with valuable economical losses. The present study was carried out to investigate risk factors of PPRV in domestic small ruminants which were present in the vicinity of wildlife parks. A total of 265 sera samples (27 wild ruminants and 238 domesticated small ruminants) from apparently healthy animals from two different wildlife parks were collected and analysed for PPRV antibodies. Also, 20 nasal swabs from domestic small ruminants showing respiratory signs were collected to check for presence of PPRV antigen. Competitive ELISA revealed highest proportions of anti-PPRV antibodies in domestic small ruminants around the Wildlife Park at Lahore (35%) as compared to Faisalabad (13%), with no existence of PPRV antibodies in tested serum of wild ruminants at these parks. Higher seropositivity was observed in females (25.6%) than in males (5.1%) and in goats (34.5%) compared to sheep (11.2%). The results of N-gene based RT-PCR highlight the absence of PPRV due to lack of current PPR outbreak in the region during study period. Even though grazing was not a significant risk factor, there is still a possibility of wildlife-livestock interactions for feed and water reservoirs, resulting in spillover of PPR to wildlife. Keeping in view the high seropositivity and risk of PPR, vaccination should be adopted to avoid circulation of PPRV among wild and domestic small ruminants (sheep and goats).