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The state of Goi\u00e1s celebrates, this Tuesday (03\/25), one year of official recognition as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. The achievement, announced in 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), through Ordinance No. 665, represents a historic milestone for livestock farming in Goi\u00e1s, as it opens up new opportunities for the productive sector in the international market and reinforces the state's commitment to animal health.<\/p>\n
\nTo achieve recognition, Goi\u00e1s first had to comply with a series of health actions provided for in the Strategic Plan of the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Program (PE\/PNEFA), established by MAPA. All requirements and guidelines of the PNEFA were met, resulting in the withdrawal of immunization more than two years ago. The last herd vaccination campaign against the disease took place in November 2022.<\/p>\n
\nThe president of the Goi\u00e1s Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa), Jos\u00e9 Ricardo Caixeta Ramos, highlights that in recent years, Goi\u00e1s has further consolidated its position as a reference in national livestock farming, with emphasis on the strengthening of health monitoring and epidemiological surveillance actions.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cVaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is no longer carried out in the state, but surveillance work is ongoing. The Government of Goi\u00e1s, through Agrodefesa, remains committed to complying with the guidelines set forth in the PNEFA. The Agency is developing measures such as intensifying surveillance at state borders, implementing educational actions with livestock farmers and improving livestock traceability systems. These are fundamental actions to ensure the maintenance of this health status,\u201d he emphasizes.<\/p>\n
\nThe head of the Agency also emphasizes that this recognition is the result of hard and continuous work between the agricultural defense agency and rural producers. \u201cThe withdrawal of vaccination was a strategic step for livestock farming in Goi\u00e1s. With its consolidated health status, Goi\u00e1s is increasingly competitive on the international scene, which increases opportunities for exporting beef and other agricultural products,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to enabling the expansion of the international market for livestock farming in Goi\u00e1s in countries that impose stricter health requirements, the status of a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone without vaccination contributes to the greater appreciation of agricultural products in Goi\u00e1s and the reduction of costs for livestock farmers, since there is no longer a need to purchase vaccines.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nNext step: international recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n On February 24 of this year, the Scientific Commission of the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) approved Brazil's request for international recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone without vaccination. Despite this progress, certification still depends on final approval by WHO member countries. The result will be announced in May, in Paris, France, during the Organization's General Assembly.<\/p>\n \nAccording to the Director of Agricultural Defense, Rafael Vieira, the strategy now is to ensure that Goi\u00e1s and the other states, already recognized nationally, also achieve the international recognition granted by the WHO. \u201cWe follow a rigorous surveillance plan, ensuring that the herd remains protected and that Goi\u00e1s continues to advance in this scenario. Therefore, we believe that we will achieve international recognition in May\u201d, he highlights.<\/p>\n \nRafael adds that the certification of a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone is even more important for Brazil and Goi\u00e1s at this time, because European countries have confirmed foot-and-mouth disease infections. After decades of controlling the disease, Germany, Slovakia and Hungary have registered cases in recent months in cattle and pigs.<\/p>\n \n\u201cIn this scenario, we have shown commitment to surveillance and monitoring work to maintain the disease-free status without the need for immunization. We are showing the world the sanitary excellence and sustainability of livestock farming in Goi\u00e1s and Brazil, which is the result of joint actions between the government, producers and entities in the sector,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTHE MM Cereais<\/strong> works with the best grains on the market in the Central West Region and also keeps you up to date with the latest news and analyses on agribusiness.
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