Brazil officially recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination by the WOAH

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) officially recognized Brazil as a country free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination on Thursday, May 29. This new health status was granted during the 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH, held in Paris. Brazil’s federal government had already issued the same recognition domestically last year. This milestone positions the country—home to the world’s largest commercial cattle herd, with 234.3 million head—as a global benchmark, currently exporting beef to 90 countries. The last FMD outbreak in Brazil occurred in 2006, prompting several countries to restrict imports of Brazilian beef.

Present at the session in the French capital were João Martins, president of the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA); Senator Tereza Cristina, vice president of the Parliamentary Front for Agriculture and Livestock (FPA); and Marcelo Bertoni, president of the Agriculture and Livestock Federation of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Famasul).

In a statement, the CNA emphasized that this international recognition reinforces the agricultural sector’s commitment to animal health and the quality of products offered to international markets. “For the CNA, this recognition is the result of years of joint efforts between the government and the private sector, as well as coordinated actions for the gradual withdrawal of vaccination in accordance with the Strategic Plan of the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Program (PNEFA),” the organization said.

According to the CNA, the withdrawal of vaccination was carried out safely, based on progress made by the states in meeting minimum requirements. “During nearly 10 years of the PNEFA, seroepidemiological studies confirmed that the virus is no longer circulating in the country.” The organization also noted that despite ending vaccination, Brazil will maintain surveillance and control measures to monitor herd health. The CNA highlighted the key role of livestock producers and their workers, who are on the front lines and responsible for notifying the Official Veterinary Service (SVO). In a separate statement, Famasul called the international recognition as FMD-free without vaccination the culmination of a joint effort among federations, cattle producers, and government authorities, “marking a milestone for the livestock industry in Mato Grosso do Sul and in Brazil as a whole.” Source: Agência Brasil