Colombia Achieves Historic Milestone in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination, Strengthening Global Livestock Trade
Colombia has reached a historic milestone in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with 99% of its bovine and buffalo herd now vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.This achievement, the highest in the country’s public-private alliance over the last three decades, marks a critically important step forward in safeguarding animal health and boosting the nation’s livestock sector.
The second vaccination cycle of 2024, conducted between October 28 and December 16, saw the immunization of 29,791,388 animals across 603,289 farms, achieving a remarkable 98.4% farm coverage.According to the final report, this effort is a testament to the collaborative work between the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and ranchers, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to animal health.
A Pillar of Animal Health and Economic Growth
Paula andrea Cepeda Rodríguez, ICA manager, emphasized that “vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is one of the main strategies to prevent the occurrence of outbreaks of the disease.” She also highlighted the dedication of 4,212 vaccinators and ICA officials, who supervised 10,268 farms despite challenging weather conditions.“Although we have faced difficult weather conditions, the activities of the vaccination cycle managed to be carried out successfully, immunizing a large part of the bovine and buffalo herd throughout the Colombian territory,” Cepeda stated.
This vaccination strategy is a basic pillar for maintaining Colombia’s status as a country free of foot-and-mouth disease with vaccination, a recognition granted by the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO). Achieving 99.9% vaccination coverage not only protects livestock health but also enhances consumer confidence,both domestically and internationally.
Opening Doors to Global Markets
The eradication of foot-and-mouth disease has far-reaching implications for Colombia’s livestock sector. Livestock free of the disease translates into high-quality meat products, enabling access to more demanding international markets. This solid sanitary barrier also safeguards the economic stability of the sector, preventing costly outbreaks and ensuring long-term sustainability.José Félix Lafaurie Rivera, president of Fedegán, underscored the importance of maintaining Colombia’s FMD-free status, granted by the WHO in february 2020. “Health status is a tariff barrier to entry into large meat and milk consumption markets worldwide, and it is not negotiable,” Lafaurie explained. He also highlighted the success of the public-private alliance between Fedegán and ICA, which has carried out two annual vaccination cycles uninterruptedly for 30 years.
Regional Success and broader Impact
The vaccination campaign also included immunization against bovine brucellosis, with 98.64% of the targeted animal population protected. This dual effort ensures the health of 1.2 million female calves aged 3 to 9 months, further strengthening Colombia’s livestock sector.
Regionally, the departments of Arauca, Casanare, and Quindío lead the way with 99.9% vaccination coverage, followed closely by Risaralda and Putumayo at 99.8%.these figures reflect the widespread commitment to animal health across the country.
A Global Model for Disease Control
Colombia’s rigorous vaccination protocols have garnered international recognition. The WHO has praised the country’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict standards for effective disease control. Triumphant vaccination campaigns like this one significantly strengthen Colombia’s biosecurity, a critical factor for international trade in livestock products.
As Colombia continues to consolidate its position in the global market, this vaccination cycle represents a crucial step toward a healthier and more prosperous future for its livestock sector. By protecting the health of bovines and buffaloes, the country not only ensures food security but also opens new opportunities for economic growth and international trade.
| Key Highlights of Colombia’s 2024 Vaccination Cycle |
|———————————————————|
| Total Animals Vaccinated | 29,791,388 |
| Farm Coverage | 98.4% |
| Vaccinators Involved | 4,212 |
| Farms Supervised by ICA | 10,268 |
| Top-Performing regions | Arauca, Casanare, Quindío (99.9%) |
| bovine Brucellosis Coverage | 98.64% |
Colombia’s success in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease serves as a model for other nations striving to protect thier livestock and secure their place in the global market. With unwavering commitment and collaboration, the country has proven that animal health is not just a local concern but a global imperative.
Colombia Achieves Historic Milestone in Foot-adn-Mouth Disease vaccination, Strengthening Global Livestock Trade
Table of Contents
Colombia has reached a historic milestone in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with 99% of its bovine and buffalo herd now vaccinated against the highly contagious disease. This achievement, the highest in the country’s public-private alliance over the last three decades, marks a critically critically important step forward in safeguarding animal health and boosting the nation’s livestock sector.
The second vaccination cycle of 2024, conducted between October 28 and December 16, saw the immunization of 29,791,388 animals across 603,289 farms, achieving a remarkable 98.4% farm coverage.According to the final report, this effort is a testament to the collaborative work between the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and ranchers, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to animal health.
Interview with Dr. María Fernanda Gómez, Veterinary Epidemiologist and FMD Specialist
A Pillar of Animal Health and Economic Growth
Senior Editor: dr. Gómez, thank you for joining us today.Colombia’s recent vaccination campaign has been hailed as a historic achievement. Can you explain why this milestone is so notable for the country?
Dr. Gómez: Absolutely. Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most devastating diseases for livestock, causing severe economic losses and trade restrictions. Colombia’s success in vaccinating 99% of its bovine and buffalo herd is a testament to the country’s commitment to animal health. This achievement not onyl protects livestock but also strengthens the economic stability of the sector by preventing costly outbreaks and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Opening Doors to Global Markets
Senior Editor: How does this vaccination success translate into opportunities for Colombia in the global market?
Dr. Gómez: Livestock free of foot-and-mouth disease translates into high-quality meat products, which are essential for accessing more demanding international markets. Colombia’s FMD-free status, granted by the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) in 2020, is a critical tariff barrier that opens doors to large meat and milk consumption markets worldwide. This solid sanitary barrier enhances consumer confidence, both domestically and internationally, and positions Colombia as a reliable supplier in the global livestock trade.
Regional Success and Broader impact
Senior Editor: The vaccination campaign also included immunization against bovine brucellosis. Can you elaborate on the dual effort and its impact?
Dr. Gómez: Certainly.The campaign’s dual focus on FMD and bovine brucellosis ensures comprehensive protection for Colombia’s livestock. With 98.64% of the targeted animal population vaccinated against brucellosis, the health of 1.2 million female calves aged 3 to 9 months is safeguarded. This dual effort not only strengthens the livestock sector but also contributes to food security and public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases.
A Global Model for disease Control
Senior Editor: Colombia’s vaccination protocols have garnered international recognition. What makes Colombia’s approach a model for other nations?
Dr.Gómez: Colombia’s success lies in its rigorous vaccination protocols and the strong public-private alliance between Fedegán and ICA. The uninterrupted execution of two annual vaccination cycles for 30 years demonstrates a sustained commitment to animal health. The WHO has praised Colombia’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict standards for effective disease control. This model can inspire other nations striving to protect their livestock and secure their place in the global market.
Looking ahead
Senior Editor: what are the next steps for colombia as it continues to consolidate its position in the global market?
Dr. Gómez: The next steps involve maintaining the high vaccination coverage and continuing to strengthen biosecurity measures. Colombia must also focus on educating ranchers and stakeholders about the importance of animal health and the benefits of vaccination. By doing so, the country can ensure the long-term sustainability of its livestock sector and continue to open new opportunities for economic growth and international trade.
