Rural Society reveals significant drop in foot-and-mouth vaccine cost

The Argentine Rural Society (SRA) has highlighted a substantial drop in the real cost of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, presenting it as a positive development for livestock producers. An analysis by the SRA's Institute of Economic Studies and International Negotiations indicates that the current cost of the vaccine is at its lowest real value in years.

According to the report, the vaccine dose currently costs $1,556 pesos. This price is 19% lower than the average of previous campaigns, when measured in constant currency, and 33% below the average recorded between 2018 and 2026. In U.S. dollar terms (financial CCL), the dose is priced at US$1.01, a 10% decrease from the previous year, though still 16% above the historical average due to currency fluctuations.

The SRA attributes this cost reduction to regulatory changes implemented by the government. These changes include opening the market to greater competition, allowing vaccine imports, and modifying the vaccination schedule. The anticipated reduction in the number of animals subject to mandatory vaccination is expected to shrink the captive market for doses, further intensifying competitive pressure on laboratories.

Furthermore, the SRA emphasized the improved purchasing power for producers. Currently, the sale of one kilogram of 430-kilo steers can purchase 2.9 doses of the vaccine, the best ratio in a decade and 63% higher than the historical average. Similarly, one kilogram of live calf allows the purchase of 4.4 doses, nearly double the average purchasing capacity of recent years. The SRA considers these indicators crucial for maintaining Argentina's sanitary status and enhancing the competitiveness of the livestock sector.