DES MOINES — A man who perfected the rinderpest vaccine against one of the deadliest animal diseases in history was honored with the 13th annual World Food Prize Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Walter Plowright was lauded for his achievements at the Hoyt Sherman Place.

“The award presented to me today recognizes the tremendous importance of a disease in countries where malnutrition and starvation are frequent occurrences and where diseases have often cost billions of dollars,” Plowright said.

Plowright was given the award for his 15 years of work on the rinderpest vaccine in Africa. The disease, more commonly known as the cattle plague, was first recognized in around 300 A.D. and has cost livestock farmers across the world billions of dollars in losses.

The vaccine provides animals long-term immunity to the disease, is economical to produce and shows no significant side effects. It has greatly effected livestock farmers in developing countries.

Elizabeth Dole, World Food Prize Counsel of Advisors Member and Republican candidate for president, was one of the presenters for the ceremony.

“Clearly this achievement is one of the most important victories in improving the safety and availability of food throughout the world,” Dole said of the vaccine.

“As we applaud Dr. Plowright, let us keep in mind the many challenges still before us, and may Dr. Plowright and his work continue to serve as an example and an inspiration to his colleagues and bright young people who decide to follow in his footsteps,” she said.

British Consulate General Robert Culshaw also was on hand to congratulate the recipient.

“When an award as prestigious as this World Food Prize is presented to a British scientist, it is felt by all of us. Not just by the British government, not just by the Queen, but by the people of Britain,” he said.

The World Food Prize was first created by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize.

It is presented each October in Des Moines and has been under the direction of Jon Ruan since 1990.