Cattle in the corral in the interior of Amazonas. Photo: Disclosure/Internet
At Dois Irmão farm, in the municipality of Tonantins, the animals are all vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease. Today, Mr. Edimilton Mendes recognizes the importance of herd immunization, especially after the outbreak of the disease that affected the farm’s oxen and cows, about five years ago. The livestock farmer remembers the behavior of the animal infected with foot-and-mouth disease.
To stay free from foot-and-mouth disease, the entire herd needs to be vaccinated. In Amazonas, 41 municipalities participate in the campaign against the disease. The objective is to vaccinate at least 600,000 head of cattle. In Tonantins, 100% of the herd was vaccinated, as explained by the Municipal Secretary of Agriculture of Tonantins, Luís Maia.
In addition to applying doses of the vaccine, rural producers must notify the Amazonas Agricultural Defense Agency about the number of animals that have been vaccinated. The deadline is May 15th. The Veterinary Doctor of the Ministry of Health, Marcus Rezende, says that if Amazonas reaches the goal of immunizing 100% of Cattle and Buffaloes, it will acquire the seal of foot-and-mouth-free without vaccination.
If confirmed, Amazonas will be able to export meat to other states and even outside Brazil, as stated by Governor Wilson Lima.
Orestes Litaiff – Rádio Rio Mar
Photo: Disclosure/Internet
