ILRI develops new vaccine to target goat plague in Africa
Heat-tolerant PPR vaccine developed by ILRI and partners offers improved immunity for livestock in harsh climates
AFRICA – A new heat-tolerant vaccine developed through international collaboration is being rolled out to help eliminate Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), commonly known as goat plague, from Africa by 2030.
The vaccine, called OvipestePlus, is the product of a partnership between the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), India’s Hester Biosciences Limited, and Mali’s Central Veterinary Laboratory (LCV).
PPR is a highly infectious viral disease that affects goats and sheep, particularly in low-income rural communities, where its spread often results in economic collapse and increased poverty.
Over the past 20 years, the disease has continued to expand into new regions, causing global losses estimated at more than US$2 billion (USD) each year, with Africa accounting for roughly one-third of the damage.
Mali is especially impacted, as it is home to a large portion of West Africa’s small ruminant population, making it a focal point for current eradication efforts.
The OvipestePlus vaccine offers a solution better suited to Mali’s climate, as it remains effective for up to nine days in temperatures between 32.5°C and 38.5°C, and for seven days at 40°C.
Once mixed with water, the vaccine retains its potency for five hours, compared to just one hour for the existing PPR vaccine, which is vulnerable to high temperatures and loses effectiveness quickly.
Recent trials confirmed that OvipestePlus has a 99% efficacy rate, and it has received validation from the African Union’s Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (PANVAC), making it a reliable option for widespread use.
Vaccination remains the primary method for controlling PPR, as a single dose can protect an animal for life, reducing the need for repeated treatments.
Scaling the response
Healthier livestock translates directly into more secure livelihoods, especially for women in poor communities who depend on goats and sheep for income and food.
Deployment of the vaccine is gaining urgency following the launch of the Pan African Programme for the Eradication of PPR and Control of other Small Ruminant Diseases earlier this year.
Additionally, the European Union has increased financial support to the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and PANVAC to aid in eradication efforts.
The World Bank has also pledged substantial funding to back PPR vaccination programs across Sahelian countries, signaling broad international alignment around the 2030 elimination goal.
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