en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian federal government officially activated the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Antigen Bank on the 17th of this month, aiming to enhance the country's capacity to respond to sanitary emergencies. Brazil's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, stated at the delivery ceremony held in Garín, Argentina, that this strategic facility boosts the credibility of Brazil's agricultural defense and demonstrates the country's rigorous approach to livestock protection.
The antigen bank will store antigens, the raw material used to produce foot-and-mouth disease vaccines. In the event of an outbreak in Brazil, these antigens can be rapidly utilized for vaccine production. This facility is part of Brazil's contingency plan established after the country was recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA) in 2025 as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone without vaccination, a status crucial for maintaining access to major animal protein import markets. According to André de Paula, the partnership with Biogénesis Bagó was chosen because the company is one of the world leaders in animal immunobiological products, serving several large international markets. The minister stated that the delivery of the antigen bank marks a further consolidation of Brazil's sanitary defense system.
The minister noted that Brazil's international recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease-free zone without vaccination is the result of decades of joint efforts by producers, the government, and agricultural defense services. "This recognition is the culmination of many years of hard work," he said.
Regarding the European Union's restrictions on the export of animal-derived products from Brazil, André de Paula stated that the establishment of the antigen bank demonstrates Brazil's commitment to animal health and strengthens international confidence in the country's regulatory system. "No one can become the world's largest exporter of animal protein without strict requirements," he said. According to the minister, sanitary defense is a continuous improvement process to adapt to the demands of the international market. "It is an evolving process. We will always face new requirements and make adjustments," he said. André de Paula also emphasized that he received very positive news this Friday: the United Kingdom continues to import Brazilian products normally, even though discussions involving some European markets are still ongoing. He reiterated that differences with the European Union will be resolved. Regarding negotiations on duty-free export quotas to the EU, the minister stated that conflicts of interest are part of business negotiations and expressed confidence that the parties will reach an understanding. "Conflicts of interest are natural. That's why negotiations exist. We are confident that we can find solutions that satisfy all parties."
Concerning Brazil's main beef export destination, China, André de Paula stated that the government continues efforts to expand exports and emphasized that fluctuations in Chinese purchasing volumes reflect the dynamics of that market, not quality issues with Brazilian beef. "What matters is the credibility of our meat. They stopped importing not because of any fault on our part," he said.
When asked about the tariffs announced by the United States on Brazilian products, the minister stated that the government will continue to take measures to support the sectors most affected by trade restrictions.
Establishing a national antigen bank is considered one of the main contingency tools for countries recognized as foot-and-mouth disease-free without vaccination. In the event of a sanitary emergency, the stockpile will accelerate vaccine production, shorten response times for authorities, and help protect one of Brazilian agriculture's main assets: livestock health and access to international markets.
