Global reduction in animal morbidity and mortality due to vaccine development (1950–2021): rinderpest, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and rabies

Over the past 70 years, veterinary vaccines have been crucial in controlling infectious diseases, ensuring food security, improving animal health, and promoting public health. This paper examines the global decline in morbidity and mortality in livestock and wildlife due to vaccination campaigns from 1950 to 2021. Data were gathered from peer-reviewed studies, international reports, case studies, and organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These sources helped assess trends in disease epidemiology and demonstrate vaccination’s vital role in controlling or eradicating animal diseases and reducing zoonotic risks. Diseases studied include foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, avian influenza, and rabies. Findings show that global vaccination eradicated rinderpest in animals and wildlife, while foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza declined by over 90% and 60%, respectively. The campaigns also prevented billions of dollars in economic losses annually by reducing outbreaks and mortality. This underscores the importance of sustained funding for veterinary vaccination programs to protect animal populations and human health alike.

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