September 10, 2008

First outbreak of Peste Des Petits Ruminants in Morocco

The first-ever outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Morocco is threatening to kill millions of sheep and goats, and may spread to neighbouring countries, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said Tuesday (September 9).

So far the outbreak has largely affected sheep, with 133 outbreaks in 29 provinces, the FAO said.

PPR is a viral disease of domestic goats and sheep and small wild ruminants, and is transmitted through close contact between animals.

"Mortality rates can reach 80 percent in acute cases," the FAO said.

The FAO said this first outbreak in Morocco means the disease has crossed the natural barrier of the Sahara and poses a risk to North Africa. In addition there is now an increased risk the disease can spread to southern Europe, in particular Spain, which has close trade ties with Morocco.