Equipped with newfound knowledge and expertise, workshop participants can catalyze changes in their respective countries, fostering intra-laboratory networks and strengthening PPR surveillance and diagnosis across the region.

Vom, Nigeria – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has strengthened laboratory capacities for diagnosing small ruminants’ pests, commonly referred to as peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in West, East and Southern Africa.

In collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture (CJN, IAEA), FAO aims to enhance national veterinary services and improve disease surveillance to effectively combat PPR.

FAO orchestrated a pivotal workshop on advancing laboratory capabilities for PPR diagnosis hosted by the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau state, Nigeria. Supported by the Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the European Commission (EC), this five-day hybrid gathering convened from 29 April to 3 May 2024 brought together laboratory experts and technicians from Burundi, Eswatini, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

Eradicating PPR and Strengthening Veterinary Services for Small Ruminants

The Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Global Control and Eradication Strategy, endorsed in 2015, underscores the imperative of eradicating PPR by 2030 and strengthening veterinary services to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases among small ruminants. To achieve these objectives, countries must advance through the stages of assessment, control, eradication, and maintenance of an official PPR-free status.

At the heart of this strategy lies the enhancement of laboratory capacities for PPR diagnosis. Effective diagnostic systems are vital for promptly detecting suspected cases, confirming outbreaks, identifying circulating strains, and monitoring vaccine effectiveness.

Empowering Africa to catalyze changes

Participants gained further knowledge on the PPR global eradication program, molecular epidemiology and diagnosis of PPR through hands-on laboratory training on diagnostic methods and sequencing. Additionally, through proficiency testing facilitated by the IAEA/FAO joint center or reference laboratories, diagnostic capabilities are poised for further enhancement.

Equipped with newfound knowledge and expertise, workshop participants can catalyze changes in their respective countries, fostering intra-laboratory networks and strengthening PPR surveillance and diagnosis across the region.

FAO ECTAD's leadership in strengthening laboratory capacities PPR diagnosis in West, East  and Southern Africa reflects its commitment to advancing global veterinary services and disease surveillance. This initiative not only reinforces regional disease surveillance but also aligns with the broader goal of achieving a PPR-free status by 2030, promoting the health of small ruminants and enhancing global food security.

For more information:

David Tsokar

FAO Nigeria, Communications Specialist

E-mail : [email protected] 

Yanira Santana Morales

FAO ECTAD Africa, Emergency Reporting and Outreach Specialist

E-mail : [email protected]