Brazil Makes History as First Major Beef Exporter Declared Free of Foot-and-Mouth Without Vaccines

Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of beef, has reached a historic milestone: it has been officially declared free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)—a status that only a handful of countries globally have ever achieved, and none at Brazil’s scale.

The recognition marks a new chapter for Brazil’s livestock sector and its economy. It signifies that Brazil’s cattle are no longer dependent on routine FMD vaccinations and are still disease-free—proof of exceptional surveillance, biosecurity, and animal health systems. For global trade partners, this is a golden seal of approval.

The announcement came at the closing of the annual WOAH conference in Paris, where Brazil’s Chief Veterinary Officer Marcelo Mota confirmed the decision. A formal ceremony is planned for June 6, where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will meet with WOAH Director General Emmanuelle Soubeyran to celebrate the milestone.

Why This Matters on the Global Stage

Brazil exported nearly $13 billion in beef last year to destinations including China, the United States, and the UAE, solidifying its role as the world’s top beef supplier. This new disease-free status unlocks doors to even more lucrative markets, particularly countries with strict animal health import standards such as Japan, and opens new opportunities for beef offal exports to countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.

"This is a game-changing moment," said the Brazilian beef export association Abiec, which represents major industry players like JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig. “It strengthens Brazil’s international reputation and gives us a powerful strategic advantage in negotiations.”

The foot-and-mouth disease-free status without vaccination is considered a top-tier classification in the world of animal health. Countries that achieve it are seen as low risk for outbreaks and high-trust partners in international trade.

A Long Road to Success

This moment has been years in the making. In May 2024, Brazil concluded its final vaccination campaign against FMD, shifting instead to surveillance and biosecurity measures. At the time, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro said this would move Brazil “into the elite group of global animal health leaders.” Originally aiming for 2026, Brazil’s aggressive veterinary strategies allowed it to meet its goal a year ahead of schedule.

WOAH’s endorsement comes after rigorous assessments of Brazil’s health systems, border controls, disease surveillance infrastructure, and the traceability of its livestock. It is also a powerful indicator that Brazil’s livestock health standards now rival those of developed nations.

A New Era—With New Responsibilities

But this achievement comes with high expectations.

“The new status brings new challenges and responsibilities for everyone involved,” Abiec said in a statement, referencing the need to maintain exceptional sanitary conditions across Brazil’s massive cattle population.

The risks of backsliding are real. With no vaccinations in place, Brazil’s beef industry must now rely entirely on early detection, quarantine protocols, and strict animal movement regulations to prevent any resurgence of the disease.

Failure to maintain standards could trigger immediate loss of status and a cascade of export bans. “It’s not just a win—it’s a promise to the world,” said a senior official in Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Economic and Political Leverage

Beyond animal health, this status could serve as a powerful diplomatic and trade tool for Brazil. In regions like Asia and Europe, where health certifications are gatekeepers to high-value markets, Brazil can now enter trade conversations from a position of strength.

Meanwhile, domestic lobbyists are pushing for expedited negotiations with countries that had previously denied Brazilian beef due to FMD concerns. This could lead to a significant increase in export volumes and prices, benefiting both producers and the national economy.

Final Word

Brazil’s recognition as FMD-free without vaccination is more than just a health certification—it’s a transformative moment for a country whose beef industry feeds millions and drives billions in trade. With the eyes of the world now on its herds, Brazil’s next challenge will be proving that it can maintain this gold standard of animal health in the years to come.

Stay tuned—your next steak might be more Brazilian than you think.