The Agriculture State Secretary of the southern Brazilian state of Paraná
has requested to the Ministry of Agriculture to cease foot and mouth disease
(FMD) vaccinations in the state, with the objective of acquiring ‘FMD free
without vaccination’ status. If achieved, Paraná would be the second state in
Brazil to obtain this status after neighbouring Santa Catarina.
According to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE), countries or
regions need to remain free from vaccination and record no FMD outbreaks for one
year, among other requirements, in order to apply for ‘FMD free without
vaccination’ status. The state is aiming to cease vaccinations before the June
2010 vaccination campaign.
The Brazilian government has stated though there is always a risk of an
FMD outbreak while ceasing vaccinations, there are mechanisms to rapidly control
an outbreak (which will be assessed in a forthcoming audit). In addition, the
state has boosted its sanitary control procedures (especially with neighbouring
states and Paraguay) in recent years, in partnership with the cattle
industry.
However, local analysts have suggested that ceasing vaccinations would
be a risky strategy, given the poor animal husbandry and disease status of
neighbouring Paraguay and Bolivia (AgraFNP).
Source: MLA.com
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