Pará receives historic recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease free area without vaccination
In Paris, the Government of Pará participates in an event of the World Organisation for Animal Health that validates Pará's new status, a milestone for the Pará economy
The Government of Pará, through the State Agricultural Defense Agency (Adepará), is present at the Animal Health Forum of the 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in Paris, France.
At this General Assembly, Brazil will receive the certificate of international recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease free zone without vaccination. Pará is one of the States that will receive this certificate; the new sanitary status allows the opening of demanding markets for meat, such as Japan and the United States.
With the second largest national herd, with over 26 million cattle, Pará stopped vaccinating its animals against foot-and-mouth disease a year ago and replaced the vaccine with surveillance based on risk criteria and in partnership with rural producers on a daily basis, ensuring the health of the herd.
Since Sunday, May 25, the Pará delegation has been participating in forums that bring together members of the OIE, representatives of international and regional organizations, countries, and observer territories. The Pará delegation is represented by state officials from Adepará, the general director, Jamir Macedo; the director of animal inspection and defense, Graziela Soares; accompanied by representatives from the productive sector, Thiago Araújo and Valter Cardoso.
“This is a special moment for the State of Pará. We are participating in the ordinary assembly with the entire delegation representing the Government of Pará, representing the entire team of officials from the Defense Agency and the productive sector that fulfilled its obligations by meeting the criteria required by the OIE,” commented the general director of Adepará, Jamir Macedo.
The Animal Health Forum, dedicated to vaccines and vaccination, represents a unique opportunity for participants. They engage in in-depth discussions about recent advances and current challenges related to vaccine development, regulatory obstacles, logistical restrictions, and commercial aspects.
The Scientific Commission of the OIE approved, in February of this year, Brazil's request for international recognition of foot-and-mouth disease free zones without vaccination. Despite the progress, surveillance remains essential. European countries such as Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia have reported outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease this year, 2025, which reinforces the importance of maintaining rigorous sanitary control actions.
The international event is dedicated to the adoption of new administrative and technical resolutions, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving animal health and welfare worldwide. “The Animal Health Forum has been an incredible opportunity to exchange experiences, align strategies, and reinforce the role of the official veterinary service. There are in-depth discussions about vaccines and vaccinations, preventive strategies, and actions in emergency cases, as well as the challenges we still face,” commented the director of Animal Defense and Inspection at Adepará, Graziela Oliveira.
She added that the activities allow delegations to interact with experts on a range of specific initiatives relevant to the World Organisation for Animal Health and its missions.
The general director of Adepará, Jamir Macedo, emphasizes the importance of this moment for the new livestock sector in Pará. “We are becoming a foot-and-mouth disease free zone without vaccination, and this is a significant milestone for the State. It positions the State of Pará as a disease-free area and enables the opening of more demanding markets and, consequently, the development of our production, generating jobs and income for Pará's production.”
