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.
Subject(s)
Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/virology , Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus/classification , Animals , Base Sequence , Democratic Republic of the Congo/epidemiology , Disease Eradication , Molecular Epidemiology , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/epidemiology , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/prevention & control , Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus/genetics , RNA, Viral/chemistry , RNA, Viral/geneticsABSTRACT
In 2017, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus was detected in poultry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whole-genome phylogeny showed the virus clustered with H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4B strains from birds in central and southern Asia. Emergence of this virus in central Africa represents a threat for animal health and food security.
