Plowright Wins 1999 World Food Prize

In October, 1999, the 1999 World food Prize was awarded to British veterinarian, Dr. Walter Plowright. Dr. Plowright was awarded the prize for his development of a rinderpest vaccine. Throughout his career, Plowright has made significant contributions to vaccine developments for a number of animal diseases, however his discovery of the rinderpest vaccine is considered on of the most important victories in improving the safety and availability of food throughout the world. Rinderpest, commonly known as cattle plague, is found in many regions of the developing world. This animal disease dates back 16 centuries and is considered to be one of the deadliest animal diseases in recorded history, causing losses of millions of cattle, widespread famine, significant economic losses, and in some cases, war. Plowright, who works in Kenya, has dedicated more than 20 years of research and development to introduce a safe and effective rinderpest vaccine.