Bolivia and Brazil certified free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination: A milestone for trade, health, and food security – PAHO/WHO

June 6, 2025 (PanAftose/HPV-PAHO/WHO) -Bolivia and Brazil have been officially recognized as countries free of foot and mouth diseases (FMD) without the use of vaccination. He advertisement It was held during the 92nd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), held in Paris during the last week of May.

This recognition marks a historical milestone for the Americas and a great step forward in the elimination of the FMD of the continent, in alignment with the initiative to eliminate the disease of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

«The success of Bolivia and Brazil is a victory for rural communities and for the economies that have long fought with the burden of Afitase fever,» said the director of the PAHO, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. «It also highlights the excellence of livestock agriculture and the work of official veterinary services,» he added.

With this achievement, more than 80% of cattle in the Americas now fall under the FMD category without vaccination. In South America alone, more than 65% of cattle are found in areas with this state, up to 35%. Currently, only 1% of cattle in the region, located in Venezuela, still does not have a FMD -free state, although the country is actively working to be recognized as without FMD with vaccination.

The disease of the feet and mouth is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever and blisters in cattle, which leads to a reduction in meat and dairy production and restricted international trade. For decades, he has threatened food security and economies throughout the region. Vaccination has been the cornerstone of efforts to control outbreaks and prevent new cases, allowing many countries to eliminate the disease.

This progress is the result of decades of collaboration through the hemispheric program for the eradication of the disease of the feet and mouth (Phefa), coordinated by the Pan American Center for Pan American Diseases of Paho and veterinary public health (Panaftose/HPV). Established in 1951 through an agreement between Brazil, the Organization of American States (OAS) and PAHO, PanAfftosa has provided technical cooperation, surveillance and training, which works closely with the South America Commission for the fight against feet and mouth disease (cosalfa) and public-private associations.

By eliminating the need for national vaccination campaigns, Bolivia and Brazil have reduced costs and have improved their position in global markets. «This achievement reflects more than 30 years of coordinated efforts between veterinary services and rural producers,» said Panaftos, Dr. Ottorino Cosivi. «The PAHO will continue to support countries to maintain this state strengthening surveillance systems and guaranteeing preparation to respond quickly to outbreaks or emergencies, helping to ensure an FMD free region,» he added.

Worldwide, according to WOAH, the FMD still affects 77% of cattle in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The free countries of the disease must remain vigilant to prevent their reintroduction.