Paraguay's livestock health model needs adaptation, says Senacsa chief

Paraguay's successful animal health model, a cornerstone of its livestock industry, requires adaptation to face evolving international scenarios, according to José Carlos Martin, president of the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa).

Martin's insights emerged after attending the 28th Meeting of the Sub-Commission for Southeast Asia, China, and Mongolia on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, organized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA) in Mongolia. Representing Paraguay as the pro tempore president of the Southern Cone Permanent Veterinary Committee, he presented the country's efforts against foot-and-mouth disease.

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What I realized there is that, although there is very good public-public articulation, what these Southeast Asian countries are lacking is precisely that public-private articulation.

He observed that while many countries excel in public-to-public collaboration, they lack the crucial public-private partnership that underpins Paraguay's success. This model, a two-decade collaboration between Senacsa and the Rural Association of Paraguay (ARP) via the Animal Health Services Foundation (Fundassa), has ensured high vaccination coverage, robust epidemiological surveillance, and stringent vaccine quality control.

Fundassa supports sanitary programs, particularly for foot-and-mouth disease vaccination. This public-private synergy has positioned Paraguay among regional leaders in animal health, boosting its livestock exports. However, Martin noted that international shifts necessitate a review of Fundassa's sustainability to maintain these achievements.

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This scheme has allowed us to achieve high vaccination coverage levels, implement sustained epidemiological surveillance systems, ensure rigorous vaccine quality controls, and promote public policies that have strengthened sanitary discipline.