Brazil has just recognized 16 states, in addition to the Federal District, as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. Therefore, the immunization of herds in these locations is exempt, in accordance with Ordinance 665 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA).
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The Ordinance also prohibits the storage, sale and use of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines in units of the Federation where there is no longer a need to immunize the herd, and restricts the movement of animals and products from these locations to areas that still practice vaccination. in the country.
See which states are free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination
- Federal District
- Amapá
- Amazon
- Bahia
- Holy Spirit
- Goiás, Maranhão
- Mato Grosso
- Mato Grosso do Sul
- Minas Gerais
- For
- Piauí
- Rio de Janeiro
- Roraima
- São Paulo
- Sergipe
- Tocantins
The Ministry of Agriculture’s regulations, however, only come into effect on May 2nd. Until then, States that still have vaccination steps to carry out must immunize their herds. Cases in Bahia, Maranhão, Pará, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Roraima, Sergipe and part of the state of Amazonas.
The next stage is the international recognition of the health status of these regions, by the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA). The states of Acre, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, Santa Catarina and parts of Amazonas and Mato Grosso have it.
Until the concession, regions that have received national recognition of their status can only acquire new animals for slaughter or export from vaccination-free zones.
The transition from areas free of foot-and-mouth disease with vaccination to free areas without vaccination is foreseen in the National Surveillance Plan for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PNEFA). The goal is to make all of Brazil free of the disease without vaccination by 2026. This recognition opens the way for livestock products to access the most demanding markets in the world, such as South Korea and Japan.
What will the foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign be like?
The states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte are not yet recognized as free without vaccination. Therefore, they must maintain immunization with the two mandatory doses, the first in May and the second in November.
By the rules of Ministry of Agriculture, livestock farmers must only purchase vaccines from authorized locations. Doses must be kept at temperatures between 2ºC and 8ºC from purchase until application to animals. The vaccine should be given on the animal’s neck, preferably during the cooler temperatures of the day.
“In addition to vaccinating the herd, the producer must also declare to the animal health defense agency in his State. The vaccination declaration must be made within the deadlines stipulated by the state veterinary service”, highlights the Ministry.
What is foot and mouth disease?
A foot-and-mouth disease is an acute infectious disease caused by viruses from the family picornaviridaegender aphthovirus. It is one of the most contagious infectious diseases of animals and can quickly affect entire livestock. It attacks cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep and pigs.
What are the symptoms of foot and mouth disease?
The disease causes fever, followed by the appearance of canker sores and wounds in the mouth, muzzle and feet. Animals may also present apathy, decreased water and food intake, excessive salivation, known as “drooling”, and a drop in milk production.
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Who transmits?
The virus is present in large quantities in the fluid of the vesicles and also in the saliva, milk and feces of affected animals. Animals acquire the virus through direct contact with other infected animals, or through contact with contaminated food and objects.
Therefore, the disease is transmitted by the movement of animals, people and vehicles, such as trucks and trailers. Auction grounds, fairs and corrals where infected animals are housed are also dangerous sources of contamination, as are the shoes, clothes and hands of people who have handled sick animals.
Does the disease have a cure?
Foot-and-mouth disease has no immediate cure or treatment. It normally lasts 2 to 3 weeks, with the animal’s natural recovery. What happens is the control of infected areas or animals, and sacrifice may be necessary to avoid and block transmission.
How to control?
Livestock farmers must be very careful when purchasing animals and moving their herd, including the participation of animals in gathering events (auctions, exhibitions, rodeos, among others). Vaccination is the main ally in preventing the disease.
