The second disease ever defeated by man.
The OIE was able to declare yesterday that “the 198 countries with rinderpest-susceptible animals had been declared free of the disease”.OIE director general Bernard Vallat said: “Today we witness a historical event as rinderpest is the first animal disease ever to be eradicated by humankind.”
via Humanity frees cattle, buffalo from cloven-hoofed plague • The Register.
The other: smallpox.
This is good news.
This disease had a tremendous influence on the history and prosperity of much of Africa. One hopes this eradication will give that region a bit more wealth and success.
This was certainly a worthy project, and a great success. Perhaps nagana will conquered in the near future as well.