Argentine Provinces Propose Changes to Foot-and-Mouth Vaccination for Dairy Cows

The provinces of Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Entre Ríos in Argentina have put forward a proposal to alter the vaccination regimen for dairy cows against foot-and-mouth disease. This initiative, which is designed to be optional, allows producers to decide whether to adopt the new scheme while adhering to the national control and eradication standards for the disease.

The project was a collaborative effort by the provincial governments, spearheaded by Sergio Busso, the Minister of Bioagroindustry of Córdoba, Guillermo Bernaudo, the Minister of Economic Development of Entre Ríos, and Gustavo Puccini, the Minister of Productive Development of Santa Fe. These provinces represent some of the key dairy regions in Argentina.

The proposal is part of a broader regional agenda focused on enhancing the competitiveness of agro-industrial chains. This agenda includes considerations related to animal health, infrastructure, connectivity, and production efficiency.

The proposal has sparked a debate within the Argentine dairy and sanitary sectors. While some producers believe that the change could help reduce economic losses in dairy farms, others insist that any modifications must ensure complete immunological coverage and system traceability.

The proposal is currently under review by the Secretariat of Agriculture and national sanitary agencies, which will assess the technical and operational feasibility of implementing a differential scheme for dairy cows.