Seroprevalence and risk factors of peste des petits ruminants virus in goats in border areas of Bangladesh.

In border regions where small ruminants are lifelines, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) remains a silent killer for the small ruminants, undermining food security and rural economies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2023 and February 2025 in Comilla, Kushtia, Meherpur and Panchagarh districts of Bangladesh. A total of 389 goat blood samples were collected and performed competitive ELISA for peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibody detection. Among the unvaccinated goats 39.34% (120/305) were found to be seropositive, whereas 48.8% (41/84) was observed in the vaccinated group. Multivariable logistic regression identified several significant risk factors. Goats in Meherpur were significantly more likely to be seropositive (OR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.74-15.44; p < 0.001) compared to Comilla. Female goats had increased odds of seropositivity (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.67-5.42; p < 0.001) compared to males. Jamunapari goats showed higher odds of infection compared to crossbred goats (OR = 6.6; 95% CI: 1.94-27.64; p = 0.004). Additionally, the extensive rearing system was associated with greater risk (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.89-7.46; p < 0.001). These findings underscore the need for region-specific vaccination strategies, along with strengthened surveillance in high-risk border districts, to support national PPR eradication roadmap.