Serological evidence of camel exposure to Peste des Petits ruminants virus in Tanzania

A repository of camel sera collected in northern Tanzania between June through August 2010 was assayed for antibody against Peste des petits virus ruminants virus (PPRV) known to be widespread in the inter-tropical regions of Africa, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East and Asia. A total of 193 serum samples, collected from 14 herds were tested by competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(c-ELISA) for PPRV antibody detection. The overall individual animal level seroprevalence was low, with mean of 2.6% (5/193) and all positive sera were from homebred camels, with at least one seropositive animal detected in 14.2% (2/14) of herds. Amongst the risk factors/variables examined, camels located in Hai, Kilindi and of age category ≥5-10 years old appeared to be most at risk, with seroprevalences of 15%, 13.3% and 5.1%, respectively. The results indicate that PPR virus is circulating in Tanzania. Despite the low prevalence recorded; however, the potential risk to animal health and economic is of concern; underscoring the need for further research, active surveillance to better understand the epidemiology of the disease in a wider geographical area in Tanzania.