In a significant development for its agricultural sector, in particular its robust beef export industry, Brazil has been officially recognized by the World Animal Health Organization (WoAH) as a country without foot disease (FMD) without the need for vaccination.
This historic announcement was jointly confirmed by a high-ranking Brazilian government official and a spokesperson representing the intergovernmental organization in Reuters in a report.
This recognition marks a pivotal moment for Brazil, which is the world’s leading exporter of beef.
The realization of the status without FMD without counting on vaccination shows the effectiveness of rigorous animal health protocols in Brazil, surveillance systems and efforts dedicated to the prevention and control of diseases.
This achievement should have considerable positive impacts on the Brazilian beef industry, potentially open new ways for trade and further consolidate its position on the world market.
The WoAH declaration follows an in -depth assessment of the animal health situation in Brazil, verifying the absence of very contagious viral disease in its sensitive animal populations and confirming the strength of its veterinary infrastructure.
The transition to status without MFD without vaccination is particularly remarkable because it often involves more rigorous and sustained monitoring measures to ensure the continuous absence of the disease.
Positive reactions
Copy the link to the section
Brazilian meat lobbies, representing industry giants such as JBS, Minerva and Marfrig, have praised development as a history, noting its potential to unlock new markets for Brazil.
“The new status will be announced on June 6 at an official ceremony after a meeting between President Lula and the director general of Woah Emmanuelle Soubeyran,” said Brazil’s veterinary director Marcelo Mota on the last day of a Woah conference in Paris.
In 2024, the robust Brazilian beef industry reached significant export figures, reaching nearly $ 13 billion in value.
These exports have been directed to a diversified fan of international markets, including in good place China, which represents a large consumer base, the United Arab Emirates, a key shop in the Middle East and the United States.
In particular, the United States has increased its beef imports from Brazil due to a domestic livestock shortage adapted to slaughter, highlighting the growing role of Brazil by responding to global beef demand.
The Brazilian beef lobby, Abiet, said that the change in health could be strategically exploited in negotiations to access markets with strict regulations, such as Japan.
Challenge
Copy the link to the section
Abiec also noted that the Philippines and Indonesia have expressed their interest in importing beef offal because of this improvement in the state of health.
Albiec said:
The new status also brings new challenges and responsibilities for all the actors involved.
This alludes to maintaining the herd in adequate health conditions.
Brazilian authorities, including Minister of Agriculture Carlos Favaro, have long planned the change sought.
In May 2024, Brazil declared the vaccination cycle by the disease of the feet and the mouth ended. Minister Favaro said that this advancement has raised Brazil to the “following level of the global health elite”.
The ministry has announced that Brazil’s objective of reaching freedom of foot and mouth disease without vaccination, initially set for 2026, was accelerated until 2025.
