In a significant development for its agricultural sector, particularly its robust beef export industry, Brazil has been officially recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as a country free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without the need for vaccination.
This landmark announcement was jointly confirmed by a high-ranking Brazilian government official and a spokesperson representing the intergovernmental organisation to Reuters in a report.
This recognition marks a pivotal moment for Brazil, which stands as the world’s foremost exporter of beef.
Achieving FMD-free status without relying on vaccination demonstrates the efficacy of Brazil’s stringent animal health protocols, surveillance systems, and dedicated efforts in disease prevention and control.
This achievement is anticipated to have considerable positive impacts on Brazil’s beef industry, potentially opening up new avenues for trade and further solidifying its position in the global market.
The WOAH’s declaration follows a thorough assessment of Brazil’s animal health situation, verifying the absence of the highly contagious viral disease in its susceptible animal populations and confirming the strength of its veterinary infrastructure.
The move to FMD-free status without vaccination is particularly noteworthy as it often entails more rigorous and sustained surveillance measures to ensure the continued absence of the disease.
Positive reactions
Brazilian meatpacker lobbies, representing industry giants such as JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig, hailed the development as historic, noting its potential to unlock new markets for Brazil.
“The new status will be announced on June 6 at a formal ceremony after a meeting between President Lula and WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran,” Brazil’s Chief Veterinary Officer Marcelo Mota told Reuters on the last day of a WOAH conference in Paris.
In 2024, the robust Brazilian beef industry achieved substantial export figures, reaching close to $13 billion in value.
These exports were directed to a diverse range of international markets, prominently including China, which represents a significant consumer base, the United Arab Emirates, a key trading hub in the Middle East, and the US.
Notably, the US has increased its beef imports from Brazil due to a domestic shortage of cattle suitable for slaughter, highlighting Brazil’s growing role in meeting global beef demand.
The Brazilian beef lobby, Abiec, stated that the change in health status could be strategically leveraged in negotiations to access markets with stringent regulations, such as Japan.
Challenges
Abiec further noted that the Philippines and Indonesia have shown interest in importing beef offal due to this improved health status.
Albiec said:
The new status also brings new challenges and responsibilities for all actors involved.
This alludes to maintaining the herd in adequate sanitary conditions.
Brazilian authorities, including Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro, had long anticipated the sought-after change.
In May 2024, Brazil declared the foot-and-mouth disease vaccination cycle complete. Minister Favaro stated this advancement elevated Brazil to “the next level of the world’s health elite.”
The ministry announced that Brazil’s objective to achieve foot-and-mouth disease freedom without vaccination, initially set for 2026, has been accelerated to 2025.
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