MANILA, Dec. 8 -- The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) has called on goat and sheep raisers, livestock traders and local veterinarians to strengthen preventive measures after neighboring Southeast Asian countries reported cases of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague.

While the Philippines remains PPR-free, the agency said in an advisory over the weekend, the threat of the virus entering the country could not be readily ruled out due to possible illegal animal transport, risky trade practices, or contaminated equipment.

PPR is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants such as goats and sheep. It causes fever, eye and nasal discharges, mouth sores, pneumonia a...