Detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) neutralising antibodies in small ruminants during peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) surveillance in Zambia

Lysholm, S., Logan, N., Lindahl, J.F., Berg, M., Johansson, E., Bergkvist, P.K., Dautu, G., Chazya, R., Willett, B.J., Munyeme, M. and Wensman, J.J. 2025. Detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) neutralising antibodies in small ruminants during peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) surveillance in Zambia. BMC Veterinary Research 21: 303.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is endemic in Zambia, while peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) has not been detected. This study screened 962 farmed goats and 237 small ruminants at informal markets for PPRV antibodies using c-ELISA. A subset (n = 29) was re-analysed with virus neutralisation assays (VNA) for antibodies to PPRV and CDV due to cross-reactivity concerns. c-ELISA indicated 6.44% PPRV seroprevalence on farms and 3.80% at markets. While VNA detected no PPRV antibodies, 45% (13/29) tested positive for CDV, possibly suggesting cross-reactivity. Given the study’s limitations, further research is needed to determine whether PPRV is present in Zambia and assess potential cross-reactivity.