The interim minister Eumar Novacki (Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) and the governor of Amazonas, José Melo de Oliveira, discussed this Monday (12), in Brasília, how to make the entire state a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone with vaccination. Currently, only the municipalities of Guajará, Boca do Acre and part of Lábrea and Canutama have this status. The herd in Amazonas is around 1.3 million cattle and buffaloes.
The governor is concerned about the animal health situation regarding the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in Amazonas and has committed, together with the responsible bodies, to coordinating solutions with the Ministry of Agriculture. “I think the new way in which the government acts is important, sharing resources and solutions with the states,” said Oliveira.
During the meeting, Novacki announced Minister Blairo Maggi's decision to transfer R$ 3 million, through an agreement, so that the state can complete the necessary adjustments.
“In 2018, we want to be recognized worldwide as a foot-and-mouth-free country”, stated the interim minister. To this end, the Brazilian claim must be forwarded for analysis and approval by the international organization by August 2017. The goal is for the country to obtain international recognition in May 2018, during the OIE General Assembly, which takes place annually.
The status could allow Brazil to gain new markets for beef. In 2015, the country exported 1.3 million tons.
An important step towards the sale of Brazilian beef was taken at the beginning of August this year, with the announcement of the health agreement with the United States. North Americans are very demanding. The agreement is a guarantee for other countries to also buy the product.
In addition to Governor José Melo de Oliveira, the meeting was attended by the Secretary of Rural Production of Amazonas, Sidney Leite, and the director president of the state's Agricultural and Forestry Defense Agency, Hamilton Casara.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply
