article · Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
Introduction: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of goats and sheep that causes severe economic losses, estimated at over USD 2 billion annually worldwide. In Ghana, PPR remains endemic and continues to threaten small ruminant production, particularly in the Eastern Region, where outbreaks persist despite ongoing vaccination efforts. This study analyzed PPR surveillance and vaccination data from 2020 to 2024 to describe temporal, spatial, and species distribution patterns and assess vaccination coverage in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using routine PPR surveillance and vaccination data obtained from the Veterinary Services Department (VSD) monthly reporting system. Data reviewed from 2020 to 2024 were entered into Microsoft Excel (2016) for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and proportions were generated. QGIS was used to generate maps for spatial distributions. The results of the analysis were presented as tables, graphs, and text. Results: A total of 2,130 suspected PPR cases were recorded from 2020-2024, with the highest 32.3% (688/2130) detected in 2023. Majority (82.3%, 1754/2130) of the cases were suspected among goats. Denkyembour District recorded the highest burden, contributing 35.3% (751/2,130) of all cases. The year 2023 recorded the highest, 34.5% (47776/138448) PPR vaccination coverage, while 2024 recorded the lowest, 13.1% (18168/138448). Conclusion: Suspected PPR cases were high in the year 2023. Goats were more common to the disease compared to sheep. Denkyembour District recorded the highest number of suspected PPR cases. PPR vaccination coverage increased in 2023 when the livestock farmers did not bear the cost of the vaccines. We therefore recommend that Veterinary Officers should strengthen sensitization campaigns and also the Minister for Food and Agriculture should procure PPR vaccines for livestock farmers at a subsidized price.
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DOI: 10.37432/jieph-confpro7-0012
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