Webinar with ARP: “The Future of FMD Vaccination in Paraguay: Opportunities and Challenges”

Promoting Dialogue on FMD Control in South America

This week, TAFS co-hosted a webinar with the Asociación Rural del Paraguay (ARP) titled “The Future of FMD Vaccination in Paraguay: Opportunities and Challenges.”
With more than 260 registered participants, the event sought to encourage open dialogue among farmers, technical experts, and other stakeholders about the future of FMD control in Paraguay and in the region.

Dr. Marcos Medina from the Universidad Rural del Paraguay led through the webinar and facilitated participant engagement.

Key presentations included:

• Patrik Buholzer, Executive Director of TAFS
  Shared insights into why transboundary animal diseases are spreading further and becoming more unpredictable. Patrik emphasized that, especially in this context of growing uncertainty, any changes to disease control programs must be guided by robust epidemiological evidence and a thorough risk and cost benefit analysis.

• Ing. Ricardo Reilly Arrate, Asociación Rural del Uruguay (ARU) Delegate to Instituto Nacional de Carnes (INAC) and Director at La Alborada
  Presented the successful experience of Uruguay in managing trade with highly demanding markets while maintaining an FMD-free status with vaccination. Ricardo highlighted that trust in the animal health system is essential for accessing and sustaining international trade.

• Ing. Mario Apodaca, Vice President of ARP and President of FUNDASSA
  Presented the perspective of Paraguayan farmers, emphasizing that the future of FMD control must be built from the field, through active participation and shared responsibility. Mario encouraged continued open dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure Paraguay’s sanitary status remains a symbol of national pride and excellence.

💬 The webinar concluded with an open discussion, where participants had the opportunity to share perspectives and ask questions, fostering a constructive and transparent exchange of ideas.

Together, we move forward in strengthening FMD control and building resilient animal health systems.

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