Rinderpest is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. It is caused by the rinderpest virus, which belongs to the Morbillivirus genus. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and severe diarrhea, often leading to high mortality rates in affected herds. Historically, rinderpest had devastating effects on livestock populations and agriculture, particularly in Africa and Asia. The disease was responsible for significant economic losses and food shortages. However, a global vaccination campaign led to the successful eradication of rinderpest in 2011, making it the second viral disease to be eliminated after smallpox.