BRAZIL OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS FREE OF FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE WITHOUT VACCINATION

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) will officially grant Brazil the status of a foot-and-mouth disease-free country without vaccination this Thursday (May 29), during the organization’s 92nd General Session in Paris. The event will gather delegations from more than 180 countries.

Representing the Brazilian government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) will send federal agricultural inspector Vania Lúcia de Assis Santana, currently stationed in the state of Pernambuco. Members of Brazil’s Parliamentary Agricultural Front (FPA) are also expected to attend the ceremony.

Brazil had already self-declared the status in 2024

In May 2024, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, announced the country’s self-declaration as entirely free of foot-and-mouth disease without the use of vaccines. The declaration came after Brazil halted its final vaccination campaigns in 12 states and parts of Amazonas, following advances under the Strategic Plan of the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication Program (PE-PNEFA).

According to WOAH guidelines, a minimum 12-month period without vaccination and without the entry of vaccinated animals into the regions is required before official recognition. Brazil submitted its request for certification in August 2024, which will be formally granted at this week’s session.

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffalo. It causes fever and blister-like lesions, primarily in the mouth and on the feet, severely impacting animal health and productivity.

The disease is caused by a virus with seven distinct serotypes, capable of rapid transmission if containment and eradication measures are not swiftly implemented. Infected animals begin shedding the virus a few days before showing visible symptoms, making early detection and response critical to controlling outbreaks.