Paraguay: Foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign completed, with over 4 million cattle vaccinated

At the end of the current vaccination period against foot-and-mouth disease, 4,008,569 HEAD of cattle , owned by 99,614 owners, were registered. For vaccination against bovine brucellosis, 1,715,038 head of cattle, owned by 25,868 owners, were registered.

The institution expressed gratitude to all its employees, the Veterinary Services Foundation (Fundassa), and producers for their efforts and dedication during the vaccination period. The high level of awareness and commitment of producers to maintaining and improving animal HEALTH in the country was noted.

There were delays in the second period

The second vaccination and registration period was extended until July 4 of this year due to flooding that affected farms, particularly in Paraguay's Chaco region. As of June 13, 2025, 2,635,208 head of cattle had been vaccinated, a 61% increase in national vaccination coverage.

Regarding the progress of vaccination against bovine brucellosis, Senacsa reported that a total of 1,106,388 animals have been vaccinated, representing an overall progress of 63% as of June and was finally completed in July.

Senaxa advocates for increased vaccination

The president of the veterinary organization, José Carlos Martín, stated that they intend to eliminate foot-and-mouth disease vaccination by 2026, thereby reaching an important milestone for our livestock industry and national exports.

Last month, at a press conference, the agency's leadership presented its arguments for lifting the ban, which would allow Paraguayan MEAT products to penetrate more widely into already open markets and those yet to be opened, without implying an increase in the EXPORT price per kilogram.

In addition, annual direct costs of US $16.9 million have been identified for vaccination, certification, and monitoring . The plan has already been submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHO), and the schedule calls for an official announcement of the final cycle in January or February of next year.