Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Cattle Ranchers Support Maintaining Vaccination to Protect Market Access

Key livestock associations in Paraguay have voiced strong support for continuing the national vaccination program against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). They emphasize that maintaining the country's sanitary status is paramount for ensuring predictable access to international markets and bolstering Paraguay's beef exports.

“

This decision coincides with Appec's consistent position that any transition toward an eventual cessation of vaccination must be preceded by the strengthening of the country's institutional capacities to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to a health emergency.

Following discussions last year about potentially discontinuing FMD vaccinations, the sector had assured that such a move would not occur under President Santiago Peña's administration. President Peña himself has stated that the future of immunization is not merely an administrative issue but a strategic decision for Paraguay. The Paraguayan Association of Meat Producers and Exporters (Appec) expressed "full satisfaction" with the government's decision, ratified by the president, to maintain the full FMD vaccination scheme through 2027 and 2028.

Appec's stance aligns with their consistent position that any transition toward ceasing vaccinations must be preceded by a significant strengthening of the country's institutional capabilities. These capabilities are needed to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to potential sanitary emergencies. The association views the continuation of the vaccination scheme as essential for preserving a key asset that underpins access to global markets and sustains the export of Paraguayan beef.

“

This decision coincides with Appec's consistent position that any transition toward an eventual cessation of vaccination must be preceded by the strengthening of the country's institutional capacities to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to a health emergency.

Beef is a major export product for Paraguay, reaching over 50 international markets. In the previous year, the sector surpassed US$2 billion in foreign shipments for the first time, according to data from the National Service of Animal Health and Quality (Senacsa). The national meat complex has also secured access to new markets this year, with further audits expected to expand opportunities for Paraguayan beef, according to national authorities.

“

In this sense, it is important to remember that bovine meat constitutes one of Paraguay's main export products and reaches more than 50 international markets.

Marco Panciotto, president of Appec, highlighted the importance of predictability in a more "technified and leveraged" livestock industry. He noted that the sector views any scenario involving the suspension of FMD vaccinations with significant concern, underscoring the economic implications and the need for a stable sanitary framework to support the industry's growth and international competitiveness.

“

In a more 'technified and leveraged' livestock industry, predictability becomes fundamental.