In November 2023, cattle breeders from São Paulo will carry out the last vaccination of cattle and buffaloes against foot-and-mouth disease. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) made this announcement in a letter sent to the Governor of the State of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, on August 10.
The waiver of the vaccine is due to the fact that the State has complied with the requirements of the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Plan (PNEFA). Among the established criteria are the reference of sensitive property and animals, the State evaluation of the Program for the Evaluation and Improvement of the Quality of Official Veterinary Services (Quali SV), the progress of the actions in the PNEFA Strategic Plan, the presence. in an indemnity fund; in addition to assessing the absence of virus circulation in herds and the physical and personnel structure of agricultural surveillance units.
The measure is an old request from the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of São Paulo (FAESP), which during the past few years has carried out several actions with a focus on advancing the process of eradicating the disease, working with official bodies. in education. health and orientation actions for livestock farmers.
“There have been years of hard work to create health care and very demanding and effective monitoring conditions for the evolution of health status until they reach the end of vaccination. We have not had a case of foot-and-mouth disease in São Paulo for 27 years, a result that is due to the commitment of the animals that have effectively immunized the animals during the campaigns promoted by the sanitary agencies “, comments Tirso Meirelles. , vice-president of FAESP.
The director remembers that, since the 1990s, there has been a tireless work to overcome the disease, and the entity acts intensely so that the improvements are recognized. “It’s a great success for livestock farming in São Paulo, but it actually started many years ago”, he said.
The suspension of vaccination will bring immediate economic consequences for producers, because the sector will have to spend again to buy the vaccine and manage the animals to be vaccinated. After the international recognition process, by the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA), it is expected that new markets will be opened, especially for countries that require exporters to have the status “free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination”, with better earnings for each tons exported.
“We are very close to reaching the condition of an area without foot and mouth disease without vaccines, and with what shows the national and international market our responsibility with animal health problems and, consequently, the concern for the consumer. We will also demonstrate the existence of a service Strong agricultural defense, with strict and effective health care, ready to face adversity “, emphasizes Meirelles.
The main objective of the National Surveillance Plan is to declare Brazil as a disease-free area without vaccination by 2026. Since November 2022, MAPA has stopped vaccination in the Federal District, Espirito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do. Sul and Tocantins. Continuing the progress of the Plan, in November of this year the National Management Team (EGN), an agency linked to MAPA, will decide on the interruption of vaccination in Bahia, Sergipe, Rio de Janeiro, Pará, Maranhão and Roraima.
The PNEFA Strategic Plan, prepared by the Ministry, divides the country into blocs composed of states with similar transport and animal trade characteristics.
As planned, FAESP points out that the State of São Paulo will carry out the second phase of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease in 2023. Bovids (cattle and buffalo) between zero and 24 months old must be vaccinated.
Restrictions on animal movement
From May 15, 2024, there will be restrictions on the movement of animals and products in states that still practice vaccination in Brazil. The measure is necessary because the request for international recognition of a free zone without vaccination is expected to be presented to the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) in August 2024. Then the period of 12 months without the use of vaccines and blood come in vaccinated animals in the areas, as defined by the WHOA Terrestrial Animal Health Code.