Serological and molecular prevalence of small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV) infection in Korean native black goats and Korean water deer

초록

Small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV), the causative agent of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, oculo-nasal discharge, diarrhea, and high mortality in both domestic and wild small ruminants. SRMV is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus classified under the genus Morbillivirus, and was first reported in West Africa. The disease has since spread across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, posing significant economic threats to livestock production. Consequently, SRMV is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This study aimed to investigate the presence of SRMV antigens and antibodies in Korean native black goats (Capra hircus coreanae ) and Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus ). A total of 2,422 blood samples were collected from these species across all provinces of Korea, comprising 1,295 Korean native black goat and 1,127 Korean water deer blood samples. Serological and molecular tests revealed that none of the samples (0.0%) were positive for SRMV antigen or antibody. This represents the first comprehensive nationwide surveillance study assessing SRMV prevalence in Korean native black goats and Korean water deer. These findings provide essential baseline data for future SRMV monitoring and contribute to the preparedness for potential outbreaks in the region.

키워드