Rinderpest and peste des petits ruminants: a century of progress and the future

Rinderpest and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) are two closely related viral diseases caused by viruses belonging to the genus Morbillivirus and affecting ruminants. Both diseases are notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) due to their high contagiosity and economic importance. International collaboration and scientific developments have led to the eradication of rinderpest, which was celebrated in 2011, 250 years after the first veterinary school was created in Lyon. In contrast, the geographical distribution of PPR has expanded to cover many regions of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. PPR now constitutes a major concern for small ruminants globally. Following the lessons learnt from the Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme, efforts have been initiated to control and eradicate PPR. The PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy, established in 2015 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and WOAH, aims to eradicate PPR by 2030. The key factors in favour of PPR eradication are the virus's limited number of natural hosts, the absence of a vector, the availability of an effective vaccine and the availability of diagnostic tools. However, challenges remain, including resource mobilisation, developing a better understanding of the epidemiology, improving vaccines for differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals, and adapting diagnostic tests for atypical hosts. Eradicating PPR will not only represent a scientific milestone but also aligns with the broader sustainable development goals of poverty alleviation, zero hunger, food security and improved nutrition as well as promoting sustainable agriculture, health and well-being, and economic stability in regions heavily dependent on small ruminants.