Rinderpest Prevention and Control

Information about how to prevent and control further spread of Rinderpest.

Vaccine
Rinderpest can be prevented with vaccination but spreads easily among non-vaccinated herds through livestock trade and pastoral migrations. The commonly used vaccine is an attenuated strain of rinderpest virus. In some countries a mixed rinderpest/contagious bovine pleuropneumonia vaccine is used. Immunity lasts at least 5 years and is probably life-long. Annual revaccination is recommended in order to obtain a high percentage of immunized animals in an area

Prevention
Prevention and control measures center around isolating and/or slaughtering infected animals. Proper destruction of cadavers and carcasses along with disinfection of animal holding areas is crucial.