Rinderpest, also called cattle plague, is an acute viral disease of
cloven-hoofed animals, particularly, cattle and buffalo. It is one of the
most important diseases that kills livestock. The disease is endemic in
East and North-East Africa north of the Equator, the Middle East and the
Indian sub-continent. All domestic and most wild ruminants are susceptible
to the disease. In endemic areas, indigenous cattle and buffaloes may possess
a high degree of innate resistance and they may develop a subacute form
of the disease in which clinical signs are mild and most animals recover.
However, in non-endemic areas, morbidity and mortality may exceed 90%.
The disease is spread by close direct or indirect contact between infected
and susceptible animals. The disease is characterised by fever, erosive
stomatitis and gastroenteritis. In small areas of infection, in otherwise
rinderpest-free countries, the disease is usually controlled by strict
quarantine and slaughter. However, when the disease is widespread, vaccination
may be the only effective way to control the disease.
Clinical signs:
The incubation period of rinderpest is from 3 to 15 days. The first
clinical sign of the disease is a sudden fever. One or two days later,
nasal and lacrimal discharges appear together with anorexia, thirst and
depression. The fever reaches its peak 2 to 3 days later when oral lesions
emerge to raw painful erosions causing profuse salivation. Discharges from
the nose and eyes become purulent and the breath is fetid. As the disease
progresses, diarrhoea appears followed by dehydration, abdominal pain,
laboured painful respiration and death. In non-endemic areas, most animals
die within ten days of the appearance of the first clinical sign. In endemic
areas, however, animals usually have a degree of resistance and they may
develop a subacute form of the disease in which clinical signs are mild.
Most of these animals can survive the disease. Recovered animals can confer
a permanent immunity and calves of immune dams are protected passively
for several months.
Treatment:
Fluid replacement therapy can be used to nurse sick animals through
the disease. Broad- spectrum antibiotics can be used to minimise the risk
of secondary infections. However, these methods are not practical in many
cases and the emphasis should be on the prevention and control of the disease.
Control measures:
In rinderpest-free countries, small areas of infections should be eliminated
by strict quarantine and slaughter. In endemic areas, however, vaccination
may be the most effective way to control the disease. Special precautions
are need to be taken in areas in rinderpest-free countries where they are
linked to those endemic areas. All domestic ruminants within 20 km of the
border should be immunised to create an immune barrier. In the long-run,
efforts should be made towards the eradication of the disease. At least
90% of the animals at risk should be vaccinated each year to lower the
number of infection, and eventually stop the disease.
WWW Sites of Relevance
World Organisation for Animal Health
Food and Agriculture Organisation