Seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Coinfections in Goats in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Goats are among the most important small ruminants affected by Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) diseases, two of the most significant constraints worldwide to the production of small ruminant species. Herein, the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) were used to determine the coinfections of PPR and CCPP in goats in Kwale County on Kenya’s South Coast. A total of 368 serum samples were collected from goats of various ages and sexes exhibiting respiratory distress in the four subcounties of Kwale County (Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni) and screened for PPR and CCPP antibodies. Of the 368 goats sampled, 259 (70.4%) were females and 109 (29.6%) were males, and 126 (34.2%), 71 (19.3%), 108 (29.3%), and 63 (17.1%) samples were collected from Kinango, Matuga, Lunga Lunga, and Msambweni, respectively. The overall PPR seropositivity rate was 48.6% (179/368); rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 70.6%, 29.6%, 49.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. The overall CCPP seropositivity rate was 45.4% (167/368), while rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 51.6%, 49.1%, 36.6%, and 36.5%, respectively. Notably, the seropositivity of PPR was higher in male (53.3%) than in female (46.72%) goats, though not statistically significant. In addition, the CCPP seropositivity rates were not significantly different between male (44.0%) and female (45.9%) goats. Regarding age, the PPR seropositivity rates were 45.9%, 55.8%, and 52.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. For CCPP, the seropositivity rates were 48.3%, 40.4%, and 42.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. The coinfection rate of PPR and CCPP was 22.3% (82/368). Despite the high coinfection, univariate analysis revealed no relationship between PPR and CCPP infections. However, given the high PPR and CCPP infection rates, as a result of separate or coinfection, there is a need to upscale or intensify vaccination in the county.