Argentine livestock Sector Faces Uncertainty Over Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Pricing

Buenos Aires,2025-02-27 – Just 10 days before the commencement of the critical antiaftosa (foot-and-mouth disease) vaccination campaign,Argentina’s livestock sector is experiencing meaningful uncertainty due to the delayed announcement of vaccine prices. This delay has sparked concerns among producers, raising questions about the affordability and accessibility of this essential preventative measure.

Producers Voice concerns Over Vaccine Costs

The Federation of Rural Associations of entre Ríos (FARER) has been particularly vocal, stating that as of today, “The values ​​of the vaccine by the laboratories responsible for its manufacture are not known.” This lack of clarity,according to FARER,is especially troubling given the relative predictability of current inflation rates,wich “should facilitate in the high degree the calculation of the cost of each dose.“

Historically, the vaccine has been valued at approximately $1 USD per dose, representing a $100 million market for Argentina’s 52 million head of cattle. However, recent speculation suggests potential price increases, causing further anxiety among producers.

Debate Over Vaccine Pricing and Importation

Past controversies have seen producers denouncing high vaccine costs in Argentina compared to neighboring countries. This led to legislative efforts to promote vaccine importation.In April of last year, “producers denounced the high cost paid in Argentina” relative to neighboring countries.

Amid these disputes, Tecnovax, a local laboratory, proposed importing vaccines from Brazil, promising lower prices. The government eventually eased regulations to allow vaccine imports, even though these changes have yet to materialize in practice.

Foundations Suspend Meetings Amidst Pricing Speculation

The pricing uncertainty has led to disruptions in the sector’s operations. According to Nicasio Tito, President, “The vaccine is priceless and, because of this very reason, the foundation against the struggle of Afitosa fever (fucofa) in Entre Ríos suspended the assembly scheduled for today for the first time in 15 years.” This suspension underscores the severity of the situation and its potential impact on vaccination efforts.

Tito also stated, “There is great speculation to provide the price to the foundations that are those that make millionaire purchases.” He noted that while large veterinary chains offer the vaccine at around 1100 pesos, entities anticipate a price closer to 1400 pesos, excluding administrative and vaccination costs. “Producers are desperate,” he added, highlighting the frustration directed toward the foundations, despite their limited control over pricing.

Call for Changes in Vaccination Strategy

Looking ahead, there is growing discussion about revising the vaccination strategy. Fernando Ferrari, Meat coordinator of the Confederation of Rural Associations of Buenos Aires and La Pampa (Carbap), noted, “It never happened that at 10 days we still have no price. It is very rare That laboratories still do not have the definitive price of vaccine.” Ferrari also stated,“It was always a dollar and the laboratories said that Argentine costs more expensive the product but today there is no inflation. Days pass and uncertainty grows in the sector because the highest cost for the producer is the vaccine.”

Ferrari stated, “Next year there will be changes in the vaccination strategy, the entities are asking to stop vaccinating some categories.” The proposal involves ceasing vaccination for steers, heifers, and bullfights during the second annual campaign, focusing instead on double-dosing calves, a strategy similar to that employed in Paraguay and Uruguay. This “less expensive model” aims to balance economic considerations with the critical need for maintaining animal health and preventing outbreaks, which “would be enormous economic damage to the country and for Mercosur.“

FARER Urges Senasa for Strategic Adjustments

In alignment with this proposed shift,FARER has urged Senasa (National Agri-Food Health and Quality service) to eliminate heifers and steers from the categories requiring vaccination in the second annual campaign.FARER believes that “This elimination will not generate any health risk and it will be an economic relief for thousands of producers farmers on which a huge and excessive tax burden already weighs.”

Conclusion

The current uncertainty surrounding vaccine pricing poses a significant challenge to Argentina’s livestock sector. While entities are not intended to stop vaccinating, the delay in price announcements, coupled with discussions around revised vaccination strategies, highlights the need for transparency and collaboration to ensure the continued health and economic viability of the industry. Producers are advised to contact their local associations and Senasa for the latest updates and to advocate for fair and lasting vaccination policies.Stay informed and engage in the discussion to shape the future of Argentina’s livestock industry.