Situation Report: PPR Outbreak- Week 8

Situation Report

Date: July 26, 2015

Concern: Peste des petits ruminants – Liberia: (Nimba, Lofa)

Species affected: caprine, ovine

Epidemiology:

Disease severity: Lethal, high morbidity and mortality among ruminants, particularly goats and sheep

Transmission: Animal to animal contact. Virus is found within animal secretions and feces. Virus can also be maintained in environment on feed or water troughs, paddocks and bedding.

Diagnosis: Virus isolation or serological testing

Diagnosis confirmed by the Leon Ledlum Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fendell in June.  Blood samples were collected, and analyzed with the aid of rapid test kits provided by a joint effort between UN-FAO and IAEA.

Disease movement/development: Current outbreak in Lofa and Nimba counties of Liberia

Initial introduction is believed to have originated from Guniea through the illegal movement of livestock near the border town of Kinnor, Nimba County.  The first sign of the outbreak were brought to attention by local animal health care workers in Lofa County, Liberia during the first week of June 2015. Over the course of 1 month the disease was seen spreading into neighboring Nimba County, Liberia. Initial reports stated that several hundred goats and sheep had perished.  Currently, 8 weeks following the start of the outbreak it is believed 2000 goats and sheep have died.

Response:

Associated Organizations:

            National:

Liberia Ministry of Agriculture- Reported that a team has been dispatched to affected areas to gain clarity on the situation. Assistance and technical support has been requested from the African Union Interafrican Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The Ministry also provided an emergency course in PPR epidemiology to livestock officers.

L.E.A.F.- Local non-governmental agricultural organization within Lofa County, Liberia that aided in initial reporting and diagnosis of PPR within Liberia.

            International:

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)- Provided initial quick acting testing kits to local animal health-care workers to aid in proper diagnosis of PPR.

International Atomic Energies Agency- Provided initial quick acting testing kits in conjunction with FAO.

World Organization of Animal Health (OIE): Provided international description of disease outbreak.

Current Situation:

Overall response to the outbreak has been minimal. It is believed that 100,000 vials of PPR vaccine will be needed to sufficiently temper the current outbreak in Liberia.  That being said, true accounts of the disease dynamics on the ground; how many animals are affected, of what species, and in what location, is still very limited.  The Liberia Ministry of Agriculture stated that 2,000 doses of PPR vaccine would be administered in early August in those areas not currently affected by the outbreak of PPR>\.

Goals:

Acquire vaccine and deploy it to affected areas where it can be effectively administered to livestock. Develop animal quarantine strategy for affected areas, and gain a proper understanding of the disease spread within neighboring counties.  Study livestock market and transport chains within Liberia and internationally between surrounding countries to promote a deeper understanding of disease risk critical control points within the market system .