Peste des petits ruminants viruses of lineages II and III identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Abstract

Understanding the molecular epidemiology and evolution of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), the causative agent of Peste des petits ruminants, can assist in the control of the transboundary spread of this economically important disease. To date, despite having been reported in the majority of northern and central African countries, no molecular epidemiological data on PPRVs are available for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study reports the collection and analysis of 11 samples collected from three provinces of the DRC in 2016 and 2018. Sequence analysis identified two (i.e. II and III) of the four known lineages of PPRV in the country providing important information that will assist in the global eradication of PPR.