Introduction: Rinderpest (cattle plague) is a highly fatal viral disease of cattle. It also affects buffalo, yaks, sheep, goats, camels, some breeds of pigs, and a wide variety of wildlife, such as giraffe, antelope and deer. Humans are not affected. Although it occurs in India, Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Nepal, it has never been established in the Americas, Australia, or New Zealand. The last outbreak of rinderpest in Australia was in 1923. It has also been eradicated in China and south East Asia. In 1998, an outbreak occurred in Russia.
Causative Agent: Rinderpest is caused by a virus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae.
Clinical Signs: Most cases of rinderpest cause a sudden fever, followed by lethargy, loss of appetite, reduced milk production, nasal and eye discharges, labored, rapid breathing, and diarrhea. The lining of the nose, mouth, and genital tracts are covered with irregular erosions (ulcers). Death occurs 6-12 days after clinical signs begin. In outbreaks situations, death rates may reach nearly 100 percent.
Disease Transmission: Rinderpest is highly contagious from one animal to another, and the disease is often transmitted 1-2 days before any clinical signs are observed. It is found in expelled airborne droplets from the respiratory tract, eye and nose discharges, saliva, feces, urine, and milk. A cow becomes infected when it contacts one of these secretions. Because the virus is not hardy (only surviving 2-3 days in the environment), rinderpest is less-likely to be transmitted indirectly through environmental contamination.
Diagnosis: Virus isolation, identification of viral antigen, blood titers, and histopathology can all be used to help detect infections. Samples from a living animal that can be used for testing include lymph node biopsies, nasal and eye secretions, and blood samples. In necropsied animals, samples from internal lymph nodes and the spleen can be used. All tissue samples should be placed on ice when shipped. The virus can be detected in milk 45 days after the animal recovers.
Treatment: Isolate the affected animals and disinfect contaminated areas with a disinfectant or heat. The virus is rapidly inactivated at 56 degrees Celsius (132 degrees Fahrenheit). Valuable animals may require supportive care and rehydration.
Prevention: In countries and areas where rinderpest is a problem, vaccination is the best way to prevent infections. When outbreaks do occur, quarantine, slaughter, and decontamination are essential in controlling the problem.