Rinderpest is not known to infect humans, but its effect on cattle and other animals has had a tremendous impact on human livelihoods and food security, due to its ability to wipe out entire herds of cattle in a matter of days.

Who was affected by Rinderpest?

The first animal disease to have been eradicated, Rinderpest is highly contagious and has a long history of loss in animal populations and economic disruption. With a 100% death rate in some herds, the Rinderpest virus can be rapidly transmitted among cloven-hoofed animals (mainly cattle and buffalo).

What is the effect of Rinderpest?

❖ Rinderpest has affected cattle since they were domesticated 10,000 years ago. ❖ Symptoms include fever, discharges from the eyes and nose, bloody diarrhoea, severe dehydration and in most cases, death within 7-10 days.