Seroprevalance of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa) in Turkey.

Abstract

Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa (goitered gazelle) is a native species of Anatolia. Because of the risk of extinction, captured gazelles have been taken under protection in a restricted area at the Ceylanpinar state farm, Southeast Anatolia, Turkey. Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infection had been detected previously in domestic ruminant species in this region, like in many other parts of Turkey. In this study, serum samples from 82 goitered gazelle were tested using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Based on the test results, PPRV-specific antibodies were detected in 10 gazelles (12%). All c-ELISA-positive sera were confirmed by virus neutralization test.