Brazilian state aims to cease FMD vaccination

The southern Brazilian state of Paraná has requested the Ministry of Agriculture to cease foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccinations in the state, with the objective of acquiring ''FMD-free without vaccination'' status.

If achieved, Paraná would be the second state in Brazil to obtain this status after neighbouring Santa Catarina.

According to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE), countries or regions need to remain free from vaccination and record no FMD outbreaks for one year, among other requirements, in order to apply for the status. The state is aiming to cease vaccinations before the June 2010 vaccination campaign.

The Brazilian government has stated though there is always a risk of an FMD outbreak while ceasing vaccinations, there are mechanisms to rapidly control an outbreak (which will be assessed in a forthcoming audit).

In addition, the state has boosted its sanitary control procedures (especially with neighbouring states and Paraguay) in recent years, in partnership with the cattle industry.

However, local analysts have suggested that ceasing vaccinations would be a risky strategy, given the poor animal husbandry and disease status of neighbouring Paraguay and Bolivia (AgraFNP).