Eradication refers to the complete removal or destruction of a particular problem, often used in the context of diseases or pests. For example, the global effort to eliminate smallpox involved widespread vaccination, leading to the disease's official declaration as eradicated in 1980. In agriculture, eradication can involve the elimination of invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. This process may include methods like chemical treatments or biological control to ensure that the harmful species do not return, thereby protecting native plants and animals.