Rinderpest and Peste des petits ruminants: state of play in the disease eradication efforts

Rinderpest (RP) virus and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus are highly pathogenic viruses causing disease primarily in, respectively, cattle and small ruminants. Although the post-eradication process for RP has been largely successful, there are still a few gaps in our preparedness for any future RP reappearance, and the virus is still held in some facilities that have not been registered or inspected, which poses a threat to the global community. The global eradication programme for PPR will have to overcome significant hurdles to reach a world free of the disease by 2030. Achieving this goal will be made easier if plans are based on the best research and tools available, with proper involvement of communities. Focusing research and development efforts on the important remaining gaps should increase the efficiency of the control and surveillance strategies designed, if research outputs are effectively transferred to decision makers. We should start building on the experience of RP to prepare for a post-PPR world. The animal health community should also be vigilant for other viruses, including those yet unknown, that could emerge as the niches of rinderpest virus and PPR become vacant.