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What Is Rinderpest?

Marlene Garcia
Marlene Garcia

Rinderpest defines a highly contagious animal disease declared eradicated in 2011 after centuries of pandemics in Africa, Asia, and Europe that wiped out large herds of hoofed animals. This disease strikes cattle and other species with cloven hooves, including wildebeests, pigs, deer, antelope, and yaks. It is similar to measles in humans and may have originated in oxen in Central Asia in the 1200s.

The eradication of rinderpest denotes only the second time in history that an infectious disease has been obliterated, with smallpox in humans as the first disease halted in 1980. Rinderpest is linked to several eras in history, including the fall of the Roman Empire, leading to the starvation of thousands of people when animal herds died. Historical records show that in 1889, one-third of the population in Ethiopia died of starvation linked to the disease. It is estimated that 200 million cattle in Europe alone died over several centuries after rinderpest infected the animals.

Rinderpest was a disease found in pigs and other hooved animals.
Rinderpest was a disease found in pigs and other hooved animals.

Researchers believe the disease spread via infected oxen used by Mongolian troops when they invaded Eurasia in the 1200s. That led to a series of recurring pandemics as domesticated animals were imported into other parts of the world as working herds or food sources. Scientists believe some deaths may have stemmed from other diseases with symptoms similar to rinderpest, marked by a high fever, runny nose, and diarrhea that depletes the animal’s protein store.

Rinderpest has been known to wipe out cattle herds.
Rinderpest has been known to wipe out cattle herds.

Experts began looking for a way to control the disease in 1945, but it took more than 35 years to develop a vaccine to stop the spread of rinderpest. A diagnostic test developed in the 1990s helped identify sick animals, speeding the eradication of the disease. The disease can be identified by swabbing the eye of an ill animal and examining samples in a laboratory.

Throughout history, attempts to control the disease involved ineffective methods, including the use of bile from sick animals. The earliest reports of slaughtering ill animals occurred in the 1700s in Italy, which helped stop the spread of rinderpest in that country. China quarantined cattle and killed diseased herds in the 1950s to address an outbreak. Problems persisted in Africa, where remote tribes herded animals over large areas of land without knowledge of the disease.

Educational campaigns and vaccine distribution intensified in the 1970s, and herders were urged to vaccinate their animals. New vaccines that didn’t require refrigeration helped with eradication efforts in Africa. India also struggled with controlling the disease because of religious taboos against killing sick cattle, and relied solely on vaccination until 1995. The last known case of rinderpest occurred in Kenya in 2001.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rinderpest and which animals are affected by it?

Rinderpest, also known as cattle plague, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo, and various wildlife species. It is characterized by fever, oral erosions, diarrhea, lymphoid necrosis, and high mortality rates. The disease has a historical significance due to its severe impact on agriculture and wildlife.

How is rinderpest transmitted between animals?

Rinderpest is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or by contact with contaminated materials such as water, feed, or equipment. The virus can spread via respiratory secretions and feces, making close quarters like farms and markets particularly high-risk areas for transmission. Movement of animals often facilitates the spread of the disease over large areas.

What were the global impacts of rinderpest before it was eradicated?

Before its eradication, rinderpest had devastating effects on livestock populations worldwide, causing famine and economic ruin, especially in agricultural societies. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, rinderpest outbreaks have historically led to the loss of millions of animals, with mortality rates reaching up to 90% in susceptible herds, severely impacting food security and livelihoods.

How was rinderpest eradicated?

Rinderpest was eradicated through a coordinated global vaccination campaign led by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health. The campaign involved widespread vaccination of susceptible animals, strict movement control, and surveillance measures. In 2011, rinderpest became the second disease, after smallpox, to be declared eradicated by the World Health Assembly.

Are there any risks of rinderpest re-emerging?

While rinderpest has been eradicated, there is a small risk of re-emergence from virus strains kept in laboratories or from a closely related virus mutating. To prevent re-emergence, strict biosecurity measures are maintained at facilities holding the virus, and emergency preparedness plans are in place to respond swiftly to any potential outbreaks.

What lessons have been learned from the eradication of rinderpest?

The successful eradication of rinderpest has taught the global community valuable lessons in disease control, such as the importance of international cooperation, effective surveillance, and the need for sustained commitment to vaccination programs. These lessons are now being applied to tackle other transboundary animal diseases, aiming to improve global health security and protect food supplies.

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    • Rinderpest was a disease found in pigs and other hooved animals.
      By: Anatolii
      Rinderpest was a disease found in pigs and other hooved animals.
    • Rinderpest has been known to wipe out cattle herds.
      By: marco iacobucci
      Rinderpest has been known to wipe out cattle herds.