First PPR webinar for Asia Pacific

First Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Webinar for Asia and the Pacific

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of goats, sheep, and some wild ruminants, causing severe economic losses and livelihood impacts in affected areas. While PPR has long been endemic in South Asia, many countries in South-East Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific remain free from the disease. Thailand previously contained a PPR incursion in imported goats through rapid detection and effective control. However, the recent PPR incursion in Vietnam has significantly increased the risk of cross-border spread in the region.

As a highly infectious transboundary animal disease, PPR requires early detection, rapid response, and strong regional coordination to prevent its spread. Timely information sharing and preparedness are critical to protecting previously free countries.

In this context, the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP), together with the Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia (SRR-SEA), organised a PPR Webinar for Asia and the Pacific on 16 January 2026. The webinar was attended by approximately 130 participants, including representatives from Members in the Asia and the Pacific region, experts from WOAH PPR Reference Laboratories, and WOAH staff from the region and Headquarters.

Objective

The webinar aimed to:

Enhance Members’ understanding of PPR epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnostics, and the global and regional situation

Update Members on available serological and molecular diagnostic tools for PPR detection and surveillance

Strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities

Facilitate regional exchange on challenges and good practices in PPR prevention and control

Based on the interests and needs expressed by Members, a follow-up webinar focusing on PPR vaccination, post-vaccination monitoring, and assessment of Members’ laboratory diagnostic capacities will be organised in the last week of February 2026.