Detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) neutralising antibodies in small ruminants during peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) surveillance in Zambia

Abstract

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is endemic in Zambia, while peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) has not been detected. This study screened 962 farmed goats and 237 small ruminants at informal markets for PPRV antibodies using c-ELISA. A subset (n = 29) was re-analysed with virus neutralisation assays (VNA) for antibodies to PPRV and CDV due to cross-reactivity concerns. c-ELISA indicated 6.44% PPRV seroprevalence on farms and 3.80% at markets. While VNA detected no PPRV antibodies, 45% (13/29) tested positive for CDV, possibly suggesting cross-reactivity. Given the study's limitations, further research is needed to determine whether PPRV is present in Zambia and assess potential cross-reactivity.

Keywords

Canine distemper; Canine distemper virus; Goats; Livestock markets; Morbillivirus; Peste-des-petits-ruminants; Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus; Sheep; Small ruminants; Zambia

Published in

BMC Veterinary Research
2025, volume: 21, number: 1, article number: 303
Publisher: BMC

SLU Authors

• Lysholm, Sara

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

• Johansson, Elin

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Karlsson Bergkvist, Pernilla

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Johansson Wensman, Jonas

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04732-w

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/141897