Serological survey of Small ruminant morbillivirus (SRM) infection of slaughtered Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Ahvaz abattoir in south of Iran

Pest des petits ruminants (PPR) is one of the important viral diseases of goats and sheep. The viral agent of PPR, Small ruminant morbillivirus (SRM), has been shown to infect several species among domestic and wild ruminants. In order to investigate the occurrence of SRM infection in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), blood samples were collected from 150 buffaloes (98 males, 52 females) referred to Ahvaz abattoir and their sera were tested for the presence of anti-SRM specific antibody. Sera were tested by Virus Neutralization Test (VNT) in Vero cells, using the live attenuated virus of a commercial PPR vaccine. Based on the results of VNT, 11.33% of the studied buffaloes had anti- SRM antibodies. Statistical analysis of the results revealed no correlation between infection with age and sex. Given the seropsitivity of some of the slaughtered buffaloes for SRM, it can be concluded that Small ruminant morbillivirus has the ability for transition from small ruminants to Water Buffaloes. Therefore, in planning of programs for controlling and preventing the disease in domestic small ruminants, the possibility of SRM infection in other ruminant species, including Water buffaloes should be considered.