Investigation of the Clinical and Diagnostic Aspects of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Sheep from the Southern Region of Iraq.

In the southern region of Iraq, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) has been identified and diagnosed. The study was done on (300) local sheep breeds of varying ages and sexes exhibiting PPR symptoms, while (25), healthy sheep breeds served as the control group. Additionally, the diagnosis of PPRV was confirmed by PCR. Infected sheep exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms. However, DNA sequencing was used to detect genetic links and genetic variation, and the results revealed a closed genetic relationship with the NCBI BLAST PPRV India isolate (GU014574.1) at total genetic variation (0.02-0.01%). Results indicate a large rise in PCV and ESR in conjunction with leukocytopenia and lymphocytopenia, a significant difference in clotting factor indices, and a significant increase in ALT, AST, and CK. In addition, there was a substantial variation in acute phase response. Postmortem examinations revealed various erosive lesions on the upper and lower gums, severe hemorrhagic enteritis, particularly of the small intestine, and obvious congestion of the lungs. Histopathological changes revealed an obvious flattening of the intestinal mucosa as well as an enlargement of the villi. In addition to a granuloma in the sub-mucosa, chronic inflammatory cells, primarily lymphocytes, were seen invading the mucosa. It has been determined that the sickness was circulating in the southern region of Iraq and severely afflicted sheep, which might result in significant economic losses owing to the detrimental effects of the virus that causes the disease on the various bodily parts.