10th Anniversary of Rinderpest eradication

Rinderpest, a devastating livestock disease, led to continent-wide famine and poverty. After decades of multi-country eradication campaigns and the concerted efforts of national veterinary services and livestock owners, the global eradication of the disease became a reality in 2011. Rinderpest is only the second disease (after smallpox in humans) to be globally eradicated and one of humankind’s greatest achievements.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of rinderpest eradication, declared ten years after the last reported case. A paramount accomplishment in the field of animal health and a major contribution to food security and livelihoods around the world, this remarkable feat has paved the way for the eradication of other infectious animal diseases. 

Maintaining global freedom from rinderpest for a decade has been possible through the effective and coordinated implementation of a post-eradication strategy at global, regional and national level. 

Opening remarks by the Directors General:

QU Dongyu (Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO)
Rafael Mariano Grossi (International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA)
Monique Eloit (World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE)

The event will be of interest to Chief Veterinary Officers, animal and public health professionals, policy makers, international organisations and associations, field veterinarians, livestock keepers, veterinary students, and professors.

This event is hosted under the framework of the IAEA International Symposium on Sustainable Animal Production and Health.