Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Debate Sparks Concern Among Argentine Rural Guilds
Buenos Aires, Argentina – A heated debate over the future of Argentina’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination program has erupted, pitting agricultural producers against potential shifts in national health policy. concerns are mounting within rural guilds following discussions about potential adjustments to the long-standing vaccination system, prompting strong reactions from industry leaders who deem halting vaccination “unthinkable.”
the controversy stems from proposals to reassess the current FMD vaccination strategy, possibly linking it to improved sanitary conditions and decisions made by the National Health, Food Safety and Quality Service (Senasa). Though, key figures within the agricultural sector warn that any interruption to the vaccination program would be a critically important risk to Argentina’s livestock industry, which relies heavily on its FMD-free status for export markets. The debate underscores the delicate balance between budgetary considerations, border security, and the ongoing threat of FMD outbreaks.
Carlos Castagnani, president of the Argentine Rural Confederation (CRA), emphasized the critical importance of continued vaccination. “Today it is unthinkable, and it would be irresponsible to think to stop vaccinating,” Castagnani stated, adding that the CRA proposes a readjustment of the vaccination system to align with sanitary conditions as resolute by Senasa.
Beyond the vaccine itself, Castagnani highlighted broader health concerns impacting Argentine producers. He pointed to vulnerabilities at the country’s borders and the increasing problem of ticks, particularly in the provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes, as areas requiring urgent attention and a strengthened Senasa.”We need a very robust, very strong health entity that can make determinations. And within that package is also the antiaftose vaccine,” he asserted.
These concerns echo similar sentiments expressed by other regional entities, signaling widespread anxiety within the agricultural community regarding the potential consequences of altering the current FMD vaccination protocol. The future direction of the program remains uncertain as stakeholders await further guidance from Senasa.