'Huge concern about increased risk of peste des petits ruminants entering Europe

RESEARCHERS at The Pirbright Institute are warning of an increased risk of further incursions of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus to Europe. Writing in the journal PLOS one, the researchers say that the recent spread of the virus to northern Algeria and Morocco, approaching Gibraltar, together with continuous circulation of PPR virus in other parts of northern Africa, and extensive trade links with Europe – particularly Spain, France and Italy – have increased the chances of the virus entering Europe. This, they say, ‘is a huge concern’. Satya Parida, head of the vaccine differentiation group at Pirbright, who led the study, said that strict regulation of live animal imports into Europe from Africa meant it was unlikely that the virus would enter in this way. However, he warned: ‘The transport of animals from Europe to the Maghreb region, particularly towards the end of religious festivals like Ramadan means...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research