People often say that you should learn all that you can from the experiences of others. Some believe that this applies to institutions too. In 1980, the global eradication of smallpox was proof that the conquest of a disease was not just mere happenstance. With determination, funding and the right approach, a disease could be eradicated. In June, two intergovernmental organizations declared global freedom from rinderpest (or cattle plague), a contagious viral disease.