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Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Morocco

Year of publication 2008

Pages 7p.

Author Sanz-Alvarez, J.;Diallo, A.;De La Rocque, S.;Pinto, J.;Thevenet, S.;Lubroth, J.;Animal Production and Health Division

Product type Book (series)

Series title EMPRES Watch

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) PPR (also called “goat plague”) has appeared for the first time and spread over the course of a few weeks throughout Morocco. Two outbreaks were detected in mid-July in the central part of the country and officially reported by the Moroccan veterinary services to the World Organization for animal Health (OIE). The disease has spread quickly from the index flocks to the rest of the country, currently affecting the most southern and northeastern areas of the country. As of 14 August 2008, there h ave been seven outbreaks reported close to the Algerian border. PPR is a disease that is endemic to several African sub-Saharan countries, but the disease had never been reported in the northern part of the continent, aside from Egypt. This emerging situation should be of great concern for neighboring countries, especially for Algeria with approximately 19 million sheep and 3 million goats. The risk is also high for southern European countries that have historically maintained intense commercial interests with Morocco. Of these countries, Spain seems to be particularly exposed, given its geographic proximity and the importance of its vulnerable livestock (with more than 23 million sheep and almost 3 million goats).

Language English

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