Cross-sectional study on seroprevalence and surveillance of peste des petits ruminants virus in small ruminants of the union territory of Puducherry, India.

Peste des Petits Ruminants is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2025 across four districts of the Union Territory of Puducherry, namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, to determine the serological and molecular status of the Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus. A total of 665 serum samples and 459 nasal swabs were collected from sheep and goats. Screening of small ruminant was using competitive ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence of 33.98%, with district level estimates of 34.5% in Puducherry, 31% in Karaikal, 28.2% in Mahe and 52.8% in Yanam. Antigen detection through sandwich ELISA identified two positive nasal swab samples, one from Yanam and one from Puducherry, and both samples were confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT PCR). Sequencing of the N gene showed 91.45% identity between the two isolates. Phylogenetic analysis placed both isolates within lineage IV, which remains the predominant lineage circulating in India. These findings emphasize the need for sustained vaccination, continuous molecular surveillance and routine monitoring of subclinical infections to support Peste des Petits Ruminants control and eradication efforts in Puducherry.