Rinderpest and Peste des Petits Ruminants

Rinderpest and Peste des Petits Ruminants tells the story of how, by the year 2010, scientists are set to globally eradicate one of the great historic plagues that has ravaged human livestock for centuries. Descriptions of the disease in Europe date back to the 4th century and it was regularly re-introduced following wars and other civil unrest until late in the 19th century. It was introduced with devastating effect into Africa towards the end of the 19th century and is now widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Southern Asia. Its causative agent, rinderpest virus, a morbillivirus very closely related to human measles virus, decimates the cattle population along with those of other susceptible domestic ruminants and many wildlife species wherever it is present.

"This is a good monograph; no, it is an excellent monograph. ...Interspersed with the science are fascinating chapters on the history of the plagues and their therapies throughout the centuries...This is a good read and worthy of all virologists attention."—Joe Brownlie, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, U.K. for SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY online

"Overall the book is a pleasure to read, and is a valuable resource for researchers on the subject. The book touches on the important milestones of these important diseases and includes a wealth of information on history, diagnosis, control and eradication of rinderpest. The book is suitable for its intended users who are specialists at veterinary research institutes, virologists, infectious disease specialists, and vaccine researchers."—Dr. F. M. Mohamed, USDA/APHIS/VS/FADDL, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, NY for VETERINARY PATHOLOGY (2006)