ASUNCION, 2025-06-15
Paraguay Eyes a Future Free of Foot-and-Mouth Vaccination
Paraguay is working toward eliminating foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations by 2028, a move that officials say poses no risk to the country’s meat production.
- Paraguay aims to be free of foot-and-mouth disease vaccination by 2028.
- The transition is not expected to affect meat production or market access.
- The move aligns with trends in the Americas and globally.
Can Paraguay realistically eliminate foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations? Yes, Paraguay is aiming to transition to a vaccination-free status for foot-and-mouth disease by mid-2028, according to Jose Carlos Martin, President of the National Animal Health and Health Service (Senacsa).
The project involves collaboration between public and private sectors to analyze details and reach a consensus. The goal is to achieve a foot-and-mouth disease-free status without vaccination, as recognized by the World Animal Health Organization (OMSA).
Martin stated this initiative began eight years ago, with the expectation of realization by mid-2028. He emphasized that this step is a positive move, following 53 years of vaccination.
The transition is not considered risky. Martin noted that 85% of cattle herds in the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, are already vaccination-free. Globally, 72% of marketed beef is also free from vaccination.
Neighboring countries like Bolivia and Brazil are already free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination, while Argentina has only half of its animal population in the same status.
Martin said eight years of health surveillance in Paraguay shows there are no reasons to delay the move towards complete eradication. He views it as a step towards improvement.
Discussions continue to progress. The goal is to gain consensus, not make unilateral decisions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and listening to all stakeholders.
Randy Ross, president of the Paraguayan Meat Chamber (CPC), confirmed that the industry would support the Senacsa proposal, recognizing the concerns of the productive sector.
Last week, Senacsa held a dialogue table to address the challenges, implications, and opportunities of transitioning to a new sanitary status, titled “A new sanitary status: Towards a country free of Afitase fever without vaccination.”
