COMMUNICATION FROM BRAZIL
The following communication, received on 19
June 2025, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of Brazil.
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1. Pursuant to Article 6 of the Agreement on the Application of
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which concerns regional conditions,
including pest- or disease-free areas and areas of low pest or disease
prevalence, and following the decision by the 92nd General Assembly
of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to recognize the
remaining zones in the Brazilian territory as free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease
(FMD) without vaccination from 29 May 2025, we hereby notify the SPS
Committee.
2. This recognition marks the culmination of over six decades of
continuous and coordinated efforts to control and eradicate FMD within Brazil,
in close collaboration with WOAH and other international bodies. Since the
1960s, the country has implemented systematic actions against the disease,
notably nationwide immunization campaigns, under the coordination of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, combined with decentralized efforts
among public and private actors from the different entities of the federation.
3. The progressive eradication of FMD counted on a systematic
vaccination and control programme launched in 1975, and on significant
improvement of monitoring strategies in the following decades. In the 1980s,
the number of FMD outbreaks decreased substantially, as a result of targeted
interventions in endemic areas, the deployment of high-quality vaccines, and
the development of strain-specific formulations tailored to the country's
epidemiological context.
4. In 1983, Brazil implemented the innovative concept of "livestock
circuits", establishing a framework for the zonification of animal health
conditions and the application of regionally appropriate surveillance measures.
5. With the establishment of the National Foot and Mouth Disease
Eradication Program (PNEFA) in 1992, the ongoing efforts were elevated to the
level of state policy. During this period, Brazil also began the digitization
and standardization of animal movement controls, including the progressive
implementation of Animal Transit Permits (GTAs), which enhanced traceability
and improved the country's capacity to respond to potential disease incursions.
6. In 1998, Brazil became the first country to achieve WOAH recognition
of FMD-free zones with vaccination. This achievement was based on the practical
application of the zonification concept that, at that moment, has been newly
endorsed by WOAH, showcasing Brazil's technical expertise and early alignment
with international standards.
7. Brazil's relationship with WOAH has promoted the refinement of
regulatory and scientific experiences, as well as technical capacity building,
contributing to the ongoing development of global animal health standards.
8. From a net-food importer to a leading exporter of animal protein –
namely poultry, pork and beef – Brazil managed to establish a resilient
sanitary infrastructure, built with both public and private investment — an
extraordinary undertaking for a developing country. These achievements were
only possible because of investments in technology and science-based actions.
Through different channels of cooperation and a steadfast commitment to the
eradication of high-impact transboundary animal diseases, Brazil presents its
contribution to the global food security, food safety and fair trade.
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