Researcher: Fasil Aklilu
- Molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) in selected sites of Ethiopia
Background
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an acute infectious and mostly fatal transboundary viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants. It is caused by PPR Virus (PPRV). PPR outbreak impacts negatively the livelihoods, food security and socio-economic activities of livestock keepers in affected areas. PPR is endemic in Ethiopia. Even though the country is implementing control and eradication program, the disease is still causing outbreaks in different parts of the country. So far, only few studies are conducted to study PPRV circulation in the country. Particularly, no detail molecular epidemiology study work was reported in study areas particularly in Oromia region (Borena Zone) and SNNP region (South Omo Zone). In addition, no study was conducted to understand the pathogenesis and PPRV virulence under experimental condition in the country. To undertake and implement the proposed research, various research questions were developed and hypothesis was formulated.
Objectives: The major objectives of the study include studying molecular epidemiology of PPRV in selected sites of Ethiopia, and assessment of the pathogenesis and virulence of circulating PPRV in goats and cattle, to indirectly investigate role of cattle in PPRV maintenance and transmission.
Material and Methods: The study is covering selected sites of Ethiopia particularly in Oromia region (Borena Zone) and SNNP region (South Omo Zone) for molecular epidemiology study. Standard methods, kits and advanced molecular tools like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and related analysis methods have been used. In addition, about 64 experimental animals (44 goats and 20 calves), facilities necessary for the experimental work is used. Biosecurity measures and ethical issues were considered in the work. From experimental animal different swabs and postmortem tissue samples were collected and analyzed using serological, molecular and histopathological analysis methods.
Major achievements/findings
Molecular Epidemiology work
This study is expected to generate molecular epidemiology data and information on PPR in study areas and different lineages of PPRV circulating in the country will be mapped at country level. With regard to this work some samples were collected and analyzed using appropriate tests including RT-qPCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Bioinformatics analysis work will be done for the sequenced samples. Still, this work is ongoing.
Regarding achievement of the experimental work
The work is completed. Necessary data were collected and analyzed using appropriate soft wares. To communicate the results to concerned bodies paper write up process is undergoing currently.
Future plans
The molecular epidemiology work will continue up to the end of this year. Meaning some PPR outbreaks will be investigated and necessary samples and data will be collected from selected sites of the Country. Then the collected samples will be analyzed using appropriate tools including WGS. Other related works will be done and finally the result will be communicated to the concerned bodies through published article.
- Investigation of Role of Cattle in PPRV Transmission Dynamics
Objectives:
Stage 1 Aim: to characterize local PPRV isolates, confirm small ruminant transmission, and test cattle-to-small ruminants and cattle-to-cattle transmission in experimentally infected calves and small ruminants.
Stage 2 Aim: assess the ability of infected calves to transmit PPRV to naïve small ruminants and other naïve calves.
General
The experiment has been conducted on local/Ethiopian breeds of small ruminants & calves. The experimental animals have been subjected to infection with peste des petits ruminants virus. If animals reach the clinical severity scores requiring euthanasia, they will be killed as soon as they reach that score using captive bolt euthanasia through certified expert.
To minimize the risk of infection, PPR vaccination of surrounding small ruminants (nearby farms) was carried out before starting the experiment.
Anticipated benefits:
- The proposed research work will improve understanding of PPRV transmission dynamics and will provide useful information for the eradication of PPR disease.
- Capacity building for NAHDIC & its experts on PPR virus pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Since the country has begun PPR eradication campaign on small ruminants the finding will be relevant for decision makers. Finally, communicate the findings of the research to Ministry of Agriculture and other national and international partners.
The project follows proper sample collection procedure and proper procedure for euthanasia.
Bio-safety and Bio-security concerns (human/animal concern)
- Animal handlers were instructed not to interact with other animals at NAHDIC/AHI or outside NAHDIC/AHI for the duration of the trial.
- Training was given for animal attendants on proper PPE usage, waste disposal, proper decontamination of waste. Proper experimental farm entry and exit procedure (SoP) was prepared and training given for staffs to apply.
Environmental concerns
- Proper waste disposal/solid, liquid waste, and proper disposal of carcass after postmortem using incinerator has been practiced. Samples have been safely transported and processed at each laboratory.
Implementing partners:
- National Animal Health Diagnostic & Investigation Center (NAHDIC)/AHI of MoA;
- Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science & Technology and other partners.
Project duration
24 months.
Funded by: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation