Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) represent an economically important plague of small ruminants. PPR is endemic across much of Africa and Asia with its geographical distribution seemingly expanding. Infection most commonly leads to a profound immunosuppression that allows opportunistic secondary infections to develop, increasing the morbidity and mortality rates observed. The pathogenesis associated with PPR virus (PPRV) has largely been assumed from that established for closely related viruses such as rinderpest virus (RPV), measles virus and canine distemper virus. Here, we overview the current thought of pathogenesis of PPR in small ruminants.