Scientists eradicate deadly cattle virus "Rinderpest"

Rinderpest, capable of wiping out entire herds of cattle within days

Scientists have eradicated rinderpest, a killer virus in the wild that causes devastating cattle plague, according to researchers at the United Nations. This is only the second time such a feat has been achieved in human history. The first was smallpox more than 30 years ago.

The virus causes respiratory disease and gut problems that lead to diarrhoea, dehydration and death. Over 80 per cent of cattle who contract it die from it. According to Dr Michael Baron of the Institute for Animal Health, "there has never been such a devastating disease in livestock".

Its last known outbreak was in Kenya in 2001, though it was thought to have lingered on in Somalia.

Campaign against deadly cattle plague ending