Challenges of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination in Antioquia due to Armed Group Presence

In the department of Antioquia, specifically in the areas of Ituango and Yondó, there have been serious difficulties in carrying out the first cycle of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease, due to the presence of armed groups, such as the FARC dissidents and the Gulf Clan.

These criminal groups have limited the access of vaccinators from Fedegán-FNG (Colombian Federation of Livestock Farmers) to these areas, which has generated concern among ranchers, in addition to putting the health of livestock in the region at risk.

Pascuita, Antioquia a village with clashes between armed groups

The coordinator of the Regional Antioquia de Fedegán-FNG, Alejandro Cadavid, has pointed out that the armed groups do not allow the entry of vaccinators, especially in the village called Pascuita, where there are clashes between FARC dissidents and the Clan del Golfo . This situation has prevented access to 30 farms with around 800 animals.

In addition, in the Yondó area, there have been difficulties due to the growing issue of extortion. Ranchers are concerned about the presence of this scourge in the area, which has made the work of vaccinators even more difficult. In the municipality of Yondó, it is estimated that there are approximately 900 farms and 140,000 cattle to be vaccinated, which represents a considerable challenge.

Impact in the region

The limitation imposed by the armed groups in Ituango and Yondó has a significant impact on the region and on the cattle industry in general. According to Alejandro Cadavid, in the north of the department of Antioquia, municipalities such as Yarumal, Campamento and Valdivia, this impact is observed.

In addition, in the northeast of the department, municipalities such as Amalfi, Anorí, Remedios, Segovia, Vegachí, Yalí and Yolombó are also affected by public order problems. This requires vaccinators to be extremely vigilant and constantly reprogramming to achieve vaccination in these areas.

Called to respect the work of vaccinators

It is important to note that Fedegán-FNG vaccinators are performing a vital job for the country by maintaining Colombia’s status as a nation free of foot-and-mouth disease. In Antioquia alone there are more than 65,000 farms, with more than 3,200,000 animals to be vaccinated.

These professionals are completely removed from the armed conflict and are dedicated to providing a fundamental service to ranchers in the region. For this reason, Fedegán-FNG calls on the armed groups present in Ituango and Yondó to respect the entry of vaccinators to these areas and allow them to carry out their work safely and effectively. The vaccination process against foot-and-mouth disease is crucial to protect the health of livestock and safeguard the livestock economy in Antioquia and throughout the country.

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