Brazilian beef may soon become more accessible and competitively priced in the Philippines, after Brazil’s recent international recognition as free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) without the need for vaccination—a rare distinction in global livestock health management.
In a statement from the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, the landmark certification was conferred during the 92nd General Session of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) held in Paris on May 28, 2025.
This positions Brazil as one of the few countries globally to be declared entirely FMD-free without vaccination, a status that significantly enhances its credibility as a safe and reliable exporter of animal products.
The Brazilian government said that this milestone reflects decades of investment in veterinary surveillance, coordinated eradication strategies, and high biosecurity standards by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), state authorities, and the private sector.
The achievement was formally announced in a ceremony attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro.
“With this certification, Brazil consolidates its status as a global leader in animal health management and reinforces its reputation as a safe and reliable supplier of animal products to the international market,” the Embassy of Brazil said.
“This international recognition is also expected to open new opportunities for the diversification of Brazilian beef exports to the Philippines, a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for high-quality animal protein,” it added.
Brazil’s FMD eradication efforts date back over a century, with the last recorded outbreak in 2006. The country transitioned from vaccination-based control to disease-free status without vaccination in phases, starting in 2007 with the state of Santa Catarina. By 2021, key agricultural states like Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul had also achieved the milestone. The 2025 certification now extends to all Brazilian territory.
The recognition is also a testament to Brazil’s model of public-private cooperation and transparent veterinary governance, offering lessons to countries with similar ambitions in animal health and food safety.
For Filipino importers and consumers, this translates to a potential increase in the variety and volume of Brazilian beef exports entering the local market. The embassy noted that the new status could help expand market access for premium beef cuts and processed beef products, giving local businesses more sourcing options and Filipino households better value for money.
Industry stakeholders in the Philippines have long looked to Brazil as a strategic partner in food supply resilience. With this new certification, Filipino businesses may be in a stronger position to negotiate trade terms and diversify their import sources amid rising demand for protein-rich foods and the need to stabilize food prices.
“Brazil is now in an even stronger position to supply a wider range of beef cuts and beef products, supporting the Philippines in its efforts to enhance food security and stabilize domestic food prices. As a trusted and consistent trade partner, Brazil stands ready to contribute to the country’s food supply resilience—and, who knows, make it a little easier for Filipino families to enjoy their favorite bulalo at a fairer price,” the embassy said. Veronica Uy
