Rinderpest Campaigns: A Virus, Its Vaccines, and Global Development in the Twentieth Century

Amanda Kay McVety has written the first history of the international effort to eradicate rinderpest, a devastating cattle disease that began in the 1940s and ended in 2011. She explores the role of the environment in the understanding of development, internationalism, and national security, expanding the standard Cold War narratives to show how these concepts were framed by biological ones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Amanda Kay McVety has penned the first comprehensive account of the global endeavor to eradicate rinderpest, a catastrophic cattle disease that commenced in the 1940s and concluded in 2011. Rinderpest stands as the sole disease, apart from smallpox, to have been successfully eradicated. However, its significance is often overlooked in the United States, as it did not affect humans and never emerged in North America. In contrast, in other regions of the world, rinderpest posed significant economic and social challenges, and the fight against it played a vital role in addressing poverty and hunger on a global scale. McVety delves into the global deployment of rinderpest vaccines, examining the interplay between the environment, development, internationalism, and national security. She broadens the traditional narratives of the Cold War to demonstrate how these concepts were shaped not only by economic and political considerations but also by biological factors.

The eradication of rinderpest, a devastating cattle disease, represents a significant achievement in global health and agriculture. The initiative, which began in the 1940s and concluded in 2011, involved a collaborative effort of international organizations, governments, and researchers. Led by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the campaign aimed to eliminate rinderpest by vaccinating cattle populations and implementing control measures.

Rinderpest, also known as cattle plague, is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease that affects cattle and other bovids. It causes severe economic losses to livestock farmers, as infected animals are often unable to produce milk or meat, leading to reduced productivity and income. The disease also has significant social and environmental consequences, as it can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals, causing respiratory infections and other illnesses.

The eradication of rinderpest was a complex and challenging endeavor that required a multi-faceted approach. One of the key strategies was the deployment of rinderpest vaccines, which were developed and tested over several decades. The vaccines were highly effective in preventing the disease and were widely used in affected regions. Additionally, control measures such as surveillance, quarantine, and slaughter of infected animals were implemented to break the disease's transmission cycle.

The success of the rinderpest eradication campaign was attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, it was driven by a strong commitment to global health and agriculture, with governments and international organizations investing significant resources in the effort. Secondly, the campaign was supported by scientific advances in disease control and livestock management, which enabled researchers to develop and implement effective strategies. Thirdly, the campaign involved collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including livestock farmers, researchers, and government agencies, ensuring that resources and expertise were shared effectively.

Despite the successful eradication of rinderpest, the disease still poses a threat to livestock farmers in some parts of the world. Rinderpest has been reintroduced in several countries, including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan, due to a variety of factors, including climate change, political instability, and lack of resources. To address this challenge, ongoing efforts are being made to strengthen disease surveillance, improve vaccination coverage, and implement control measures.

In conclusion, the eradication of rinderpest is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the importance of investing in global health and agriculture. The campaign's success has had significant economic, social, and environmental benefits, and it has paved the way for similar efforts to eradicate other diseases that affect livestock and human health. However, the ongoing threat of rinderpest reintroduction highlights the need for continued investment and commitment to disease control and prevention.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108434065