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

Rinderpest virus and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus are highly pathogenic viruses causing disease primarily in cattle and small ruminants, respectively. Although the post-eradication process for rinderpest has been largely successful, gaps in preparedness for a future rinderpest reappearance remain, and the virus is still held in some facilities that have not been registered or inspected, posing a threat to the global community. The PPR Global Eradication Programme will need to overcome significant hurdles to reach a world free of the disease by 2030. Achieving this goal will be 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 control and surveillance strategies, provided research outputs are effectively transferred to decision-makers. Researchers, stakeholders and implementing bodies should build on the experience of rinderpest to prepare for a post-PPR world. The animal health community should also be vigilant regarding other viruses, including those yet unknown, that could emerge as the niches of the rinderpest and PPR viruses become vacant.