Clinical and Molecular Investigation of Peste des Petits Ruminants during an Outbreak in a Goat Herd in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria: A Case Report

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a readily transmissible viral disease in small ruminants and can cause substantial morbidity and deaths within affected herds. This case report describes the clinical and molecular investigation of a suspected PPR outbreak in an intensively managed herd of 63 Red Sokoto goats in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria. Affected goats showed nasal and ocular discharge, diarrhoea, anorexia, depression, coughing, rough hair coats, pyrexia, tachypnoea, tachycardia, halitosis and recumbency. Five goats had died before veterinary intervention. Two clinically affected goats were examined, and blood, faecal and nasal swab specimens were obtained during the farm visit. Ten nasal swab specimens underwent testing for PPRV by conventional reverse-transcription PCR directed at the nucleoprotein gene. Three specimens tested positive, corresponding to a molecular detection rate of 30.0% among the sampled goats. Haematological findings included increased packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count in the examined patient, occurring with clinically estimated dehydration. Clinically affected goats were separated from apparently healthy animals, and supportive treatment was instituted. Follow-up indicated progressive improvement in clinical condition, with reductions in diarrhoea and nasal discharge. The combined clinical findings and molecular detection of PPRV were consistent with a PPR outbreak. The case underscores the practical value of timely clinical assessment, laboratory confirmation, isolation and supportive outbreak management in affected goat herds.