Peste Des Petits Ruminants in the Middle East: Epidemiological Situation and Status of Control and Eradication Activities after the First Phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (2017–2021)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants. Due to its severe socioeconomic consequences for endemic countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, along with its threat posed to biodiversity, PPR is currently the target of a Global Eradication Program (PPR GEP), aimed at eradicating the disease by 2030. This review provides an overview of the progress of eradication activities throughout the Middle East, aiming to raise awareness and inform the next phases of PPR GEP in the region. PPR is either confirmed or suspected to be present in most of the fifteen considered countries, stretching from Egypt to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Some notable gaps are however apparent in surveillance capacity, hampering a full understanding of the epidemiological situation. Moreover, the vaccination campaigns and other control measures undertaken by many countries also appear insufficient in effectively reducing PPR incidence. To overcome these hindrances, the next phases of the PPR GEP should focus on the cooperation and coordination of control efforts, which are indispensable to achieve PPR freedom at the regional level. ABSTRACT: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a burdensome viral disease primarily affecting small ruminants, which is currently targeted for eradication by 2030 through the implementation of a Global Control and Eradication Strategy (PPR GCES). The PPR GCES, launched in 2015, has strongly encouraged countries to participate in Regional PPR Roadmaps, designated according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) regions and epidemiological considerations, with each targeted by dedicated meetings and activities. Following the conclusion of the first phase of the PPR Global Eradication Program (PPR GEP) (2017–2021), the present work focuses on the disease situation and status of the eradication campaign in the fourteen countries of the PPR GCES Middle Eastern Roadmap as well as Egypt. PPR is endemic to or suspected to be present in most of the region, except for Bahrain, which, as of 2021, is preparing to apply for official recognition as being free of PPR. Some substantial shortcomings are observed in surveillance and disease reporting, as well as in the implemented control strategies, most notably vaccination. Since many of these limitations are shared by many of the investigated countries, the international cooperation and harmonization of control efforts appears crucial to making PPR eradication attainable in the Middle East.