having as framework a drought that does not subside and affects all agriculture in Uruguaythis year Livestock producers and the veterinary professionals who advise them will have more time to comply with one of the key official requirements for maintaining health status that distinguishes the country, vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease.
Normally you had a month, but now there will be a 45-day window to vaccinate all categories of the cattle herd in each farm.
Uruguay has a status of country free of foot-and-mouth disease with vaccinationsince the beginning of this century and after the last outbreak of the disease, which allows it (together with other actions and not only health) to have a wide range of destinations in which to place the meats that are exported.
That status, hand in hand with the product quality and public-private work for market accessestablish that income from meat sales is one of the great engines of the national economy. In 2022, US$ 13,356 million entered the country for exports of goods, with a participation of beef that reached US$ 2,557 million..
Dr. Diego de Freitas, general director of the Livestock Services (DGSG) of the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), highlighted The Observer that The decision to extend the period –it will go from March 15 to April 30– is based on the drought scenario that exists throughout the national territorywhich has led the government to extend the declaration of an Agricultural Emergency precisely until the end of April.
“The lack of water and grass in the establishments generate complications for the transfer of animals at this time,” explained the professional, who said that This measure was adopted after a series of tours carried out in each area of the country by Minister Fernando Mattos together with other authorities and technical officials of the MGAP, hand in hand with a constant dialogue with the producer unions..
De Freitas pointed out that although the period to vaccinate against foot-and-mouth disease will begin in mid-March, Those who for well-founded reasons wish to advance this sanitary management may do so.requesting the endorsement and vaccinations at the corresponding MGAP offices.
The ministry, after a tender and purchases made from laboratories in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay (since the vaccine cannot be manufactured in Uruguay so that there is no viral circulation), As always, it has a stock of doses greater than necessary, 16.5 million for a herd of just under 12 million cattle.
The period to vaccinate was extended to 45 days.
The requirements
Resolution No. 43/023 of the DGSG establishes a set of requirements to be met during the vaccination period. For example, cattle concentration events (such as fair auctions, exhibitions, etc.) are not authorized in the period between March 15 and 30, 2023 inclusive, but events with change of ownership are authorized. that do not involve movement of animals (screen or virtual auctions) within the indicated period.
In this link You can see everything that the producer must take into account to vaccinate and manage their herds.
