On May 25, 2011, the International Organization of Epizootics (OIE), something like the WHO of veterinary medicine, declared eradicated an infectious disease that killed millions of animals and also ended the lives of millions of human beings. This article has been conceived to show that animal health and human well-being are intimately connected. Also to share the history of a terrible disease that caused enormous suffering, to narrate the global race that led to its eradication and, finally, as a tribute to those that made this feat possible. Today, rinderpest along with smallpox are the on...