REGULAR ARTICLES Update on Peste des petits ruminants status in South East Nigeria: serological and farmers’ awareness investigation, and potential risk factors Ijeoma Chekwube Chukwudi 1 & Kenneth Ikejiofor Ogbu 2 & Adaeze Lilian Nwabueze 3 & Olushola Samuel Olaolu 4 & Emmanuel Ikenna Ugochukwu 1 & Kennedy Foinkfu Chah 5 Received: 24 February 2020 /Accepted: 21 July 2020 # Springer Nature B.V. 2020 Abstract Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, trans-boundary viral disease of sheep and goats that have hindered successful small ruminant farming. Its current status in South East Nigeria with respect to its prevalence and farmers’ awareness was studied. Three states, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, were randomly selected for the study. Sera samples from 113 goats and 172 sheep (collected from December 2017 to June 2018) were randomly collected and analysed for the presence of PPRV antibodies, while structured interview schedules were conducted to elicit information on farmers’ awareness of the disease and PPR vaccination and use of veterinary services. An overall seroprevalence of 42.5% (121/285) was recorded. The seroprevalence in decreasing order was 62.2% (Enugu), 34.8% (Anambra) and 20.3% (Ebonyi). There was a significant association (X 2 = 36.08, df = 2, p = 0.0001) between seroprevalence and the state sampled. Lack of awareness of PPR vaccination among small ruminant farmers, their limited use of veterinary services (38% consult veterinarians) and non-availability of the vaccine at veterinary establishments in the sampled states are potential risk factors of PPR prevalence in South East Nigeria. Consequently, an effective control measure like mass vaccination is recommended for the study area. Also, there is a need for an extension program for stakeholders and farmers in the study area and country on the grave importance and economic benefits of PPR vaccination and the use of veterinary services. Keywords PPRV seroprevalence . Potential risk factors . Small ruminants . South East Nigeria . Vaccination awareness . Veterinary services Introduction Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is known to be one of the major diseases of small ruminants. It is a highly contagious, trans-boundary and infectious viral disease that challenges suc- cessful small ruminant farming (El-Yuguda et al. 2009; Nwobodo et al. 2013). It is enzootic in several countries of West Africa, contributing to significant economic losses in small ruminant production (Kumar et al. 2014). The disease produces variable morbidity and mortality that can reach 100% and 90%, respectively (Singh et al. 2009). This has prevented the small ruminant population from significantly contributing its quota to the supply of animal protein needs of Nigerians (George et al. 2001). Because of the valued role played by small ruminants in socio-economic growth, food security, and the livelihood of many households, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Organization Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02359-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. * Ijeoma Chekwube Chukwudi ijeoma.adieme@unn.edu.ng 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria 2 Department of Animal Health, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria 3 Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria 4 National Institute for Trypanosomosis Research, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria 5 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Tropical Animal Health and Production https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02359-7