In the intricate dance of global food security and economic stability, the health of our cattle is a step we cannot afford to miss.
The eradication of rinderpest in 2011 stands as one of the greatest achievements in veterinary medicine, proving that through global collaboration, even the most devastating cattle diseases can be conquered. This success paved the way for ambitious new programs targeting other destructive cattle diseases that continue to threaten our food supply and economies.
From the devastating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) that can wipe out entire herds to the persistent challenge of bovine brucellosis, scientists and veterinarians worldwide are deploying sophisticated strategies to safeguard animal health. This article explores the groundbreaking scientific approaches—from advanced vaccination techniques to cutting-edge surveillance systems—that are shaping the future of cattle disease control and eradication on a global scale.
The battle against cattle diseases isn't merely a veterinary concern—it represents a critical front in the war against global poverty and food insecurity. Worldwide, an estimated 330 million people depend on small ruminants for economic development and food security, particularly in poor, marginalized communities where family farming and small ruminant husbandry are common 1 .
When diseases strike cattle populations, the economic consequences are staggering:
PPR is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects small ruminants, with morbidity and mortality rates reaching up to 100% in naïve populations 5 .
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have set an ambitious goal of eradicating PPR by 2030 through the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy 1 .
FMD has a long history dating back to the 16th century, but by the 1990s, most countries in the European Union had gained FMD-free status 1 .
However, the disease has shown a stubborn resilience, with the United Kingdom reporting recurrences in 2001 and 2007, and more recently, Germany and Hungary both reporting FMD outbreaks in 2025 1 .
Bovine brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, or B. suis that poses significant threats to both animal and human health 6 .
While the disease has been eradicated in several countries, it remains endemic in the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia and the Americas 6 .
| Disease | Primary Species Affected | Annual Economic Losses | Eradication Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) | Sheep, goats, wild ruminants | $1.2-1.7 billion USD | 2030 1 |
| Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) | Cattle, buffalo, pigs | $6.5-21 billion USD (endemic regions) | Ongoing control |
| Bovine Brucellosis | Cattle | Varies by region | Country-specific programs |
Vaccination represents one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cattle diseases. As the global population continues to grow—projected to reach more than 9 billion by 2050—the demand for animal protein will place increasing pressure on production systems, making disease control through vaccination more crucial than ever 2 .
Various vaccine technologies are employed in cattle disease control:
| Vaccine | Target Disease | Type | Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brucella abortus S19 | Bovine brucellosis | Live attenuated | Subcutaneous in calves |
| Brucella abortus RB51 | Bovine brucellosis | Live attenuated | Subcutaneous |
| CattleBCG | Bovine tuberculosis | Live bacterial | Subcutaneous |
| PPR vaccine | Peste des Petits Ruminants | Live attenuated | Subcutaneous |
* S19 restricted to calves 3-8 months; RB51 can be used in adult animals; CattleBCG requires DIVA test companion; PPR vaccine key to 2030 eradication goal 1 3 7
A systematic review published in 2025 provides crucial insights into the real-world effectiveness of two major brucellosis vaccines—Brucella abortus S19 and RB51 3 . This comprehensive analysis offers a perfect case study for understanding how vaccine efficacy is evaluated under field conditions.
The research team conducted an extensive literature review across six scientific databases (CABI, Cochrane, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science), including papers published between 1976 and 2016 3 . Their search strategy identified a total of 5,846 papers, which were systematically screened according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews 3 .
After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 17 papers were selected for the final analysis, containing 33 individual trials 3 . Most trials (63.63%) used prevalence panel designs (cross-sectional), while the others were cohort studies 3 .
The analysis revealed that 20 of the 33 trials (60.61%) showed a significant effect of vaccination on brucellosis control, with lower incidence of infection in vaccinated groups or reduced prevalence after vaccination 3 . However, the researchers noted significant heterogeneity among the studies, which precluded a meta-analysis of the extracted data 3 .
An important finding was that most trials (57.57%) adopted other control measures—such as test-and-slaughter or isolation of positive animals—in association with vaccination, making it difficult to understand the isolated effect of vaccination for brucellosis control in field conditions 3 .
Essential for antigen production, these large tanks of various sizes are used to cultivate various types of cells for vaccine development 4 .
The DST-F test for bovine tuberculosis uses three defined antigens that enable differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals 7 .
Vital for purification, these systems contain numerous sets of columns filled with resins that assist in the purification of required antigens 4 .
Tools like the EMULSION framework allow researchers to construct complex epidemiological models that simulate disease spread 6 .
For brucellosis surveillance, complement fixation and rivanol tests are commonly used to detect infection in cattle populations 3 .
Advanced genetic tools help identify disease strains and track transmission patterns for more targeted control measures.
The battle against global cattle diseases is at a critical juncture. While significant challenges remain—including the need for sustained funding, political commitment, and strengthened veterinary services—the scientific tools and strategies at our disposal have never been more sophisticated.
The Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of PPR and Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases, launched in 2025 with an investment of 528 million Euros, represents the scale of commitment needed to address these challenges 1 . This program recognizes the importance of fighting multiple small ruminant diseases simultaneously while strengthening the veterinary services that form the backbone of disease control efforts.
As we look to the future, the integration of advanced surveillance systems, novel vaccine technologies, and international collaboration offers the promise of a world where cattle diseases no longer threaten the livelihoods of millions. The success of these programs will require not only scientific innovation but also recognition of animal disease control as an international public good worthy of sustained investment and political support 5 .
Global strategy targeting eradication by 2030 through coordinated vaccination and surveillance 1 .
528 million Euro investment to fight multiple small ruminant diseases simultaneously 1 .
Integration of digital tools and real-time monitoring for early outbreak detection.
Development of thermostable, multivalent vaccines with longer-lasting immunity.
The eradication of cattle diseases represents more than just a veterinary achievement—it embodies our collective commitment to building a more food-secure and economically stable world for generations to come.