Uzbekistan is stepping up its efforts to combat Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a viral disease that threatens the health of sheep and goats. While the disease has not been officially reported in the country, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure its livestock sector remains safeguarded. PPR, which can lead to mortality rates as high as 90%, is a significant threat to rural farmers and smallholders, especially women who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Veterinary and Livestock Development Committee of Uzbekistan, the country has launched a national seromonitoring campaign. The initiative aims to detect any potential silent circulation of the PPR virus, marking a shift towards prevention rather than reaction in disease management.
The campaign, which spans all regions of Uzbekistan, focuses on high-risk border areas. Over the course of two weeks, veterinary services from local to national levels worked diligently to collect blood samples from sheep and goats. This marks a significant step in enhancing Uzbekistan's disease surveillance capabilities, allowing early detection and rapid response to any potential outbreaks.
Globally, PPR affects over 70 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with estimated annual economic losses ranging from $1.45bn to $2.1bn. As part of a coordinated global effort, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) are working toward eradicating PPR by 2030. Uzbekistan’s initiative aligns with these efforts and underscores the country's commitment to animal health and agricultural sustainability.
The foundation for this national campaign was laid in 2024, with FAO providing training to veterinarians in border regions. These sessions covered crucial topics such as blood collection techniques, biosafety, and cold chain maintenance—skills essential for effective disease surveillance. FAO also supplied the necessary diagnostic tools to support the scaling of these activities.
The broader goal of Uzbekistan's efforts is to achieve internationally recognized PPR-free status, which would enhance trade prospects, strengthen food security, and bolster the resilience of rural communities that depend on livestock.
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