O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

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Foot . • Mouth Disease 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE FREE AREA WITH VACCINATION 

I. SUMMARY OF THE REPORT 

Summary of Country Report pursuant to Chapter 2.2.10 of the Terrestrial 

Animal Health Code to regain status of "Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) 

Free Area with Vaccination". 

1. Diligent and Regular Notification of Animal Diseases 

(Describe the national system and what international bodies are notified 

of occurrences) 

The Epidemiological Surveillance System in place in Argentina requires reporting of diseases of significance to animal health as provided for in current legislation establishing compulsory reporting for participants in the official system and 

private sector, the need to develop of awareness and information dissemination 

programmes, and the implementation structure for the Epidemiological Surveillance System (at local, regional and central level). 

In addition, SENASA issued resolutions concordant with current international 

statutes on: notification of animal diseases, epidemiological surveillance and 

follow-up, risk analysis, sanitary emergencies, and disease protection and control. 

(See Section 4.A Surveillance in Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area, Summary 

of the Report, and 11.2 — Surveillance). 

At an international level, the Epidemiological Surveillance System provides 

prompt and regular notification of diseases, with the frequency and as required 

by intemational animal health bodies. 

The Epidemiology Office of SENASA issues weekly and monthiy reports on 

sanitary events in the reported period. These reports are based on information 

collected by different epidemiological surveillance levels (Local, Regional and 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

Bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries enabled the creation of a reciprocal, periodic information system that requires — in case of occun-ence — 

prompt notification of sanitary events in a territory that may be a potential sanitary risk to neighbouring countries and affect their epidemiological status, such 

as the "del Plata River Basin Agreement" signed by Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, 

Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. Information on occurrence and/or suspect cases of 

diseases, including geographic location, strains of actuating virus, population 

exposed, diseased animals, etc. is reported regularly. These agreements also 

require immediate notification of any risk situation affecting animal health in 

border areas. 

2. Absence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreaks in the Area 

(Indicate date of last outbreak, see Section on FMD Eradication) 

The last FMD outbreak in Argentina occurred in August 2003, in the District of 

San Martin, Province of Salta, to the northwest of the country. 

Immediately after the suspect case was detected (August 29), Official Services 

of countries in the region, trade partners, and intemational bodies (O.I.E., 

PANAFTOSA PAHO/WHO, etc.) were notified. 

The Sanitary Emergency was declared by SENASA Resolution No. 2 of September 8, 2003. 

On September 5, 2003, tests results for serum samples collected from animals 

on the affected holding confirmed suspect case of FMD. 

The outbreak eradication strategy conformed to Section 3, Article 3.8.7.5, of the 

Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

To regain status of FMD free with vaccination, as provided for in Article 

2.2.10.7, item 2 a), outbreak response included stamping out of susceptible and 

contact animals, vaccination, and controls to avoid spreading of the virus. 

In December 2003, the epidemiological enquiry and serotogy results indicated 

absence of infection 1 circulation of virus in the area. Consequently ;measures 

applied to control and eradicate the outbreak were lifted. 

In March 2004, results of complementary sampiing in the perifUcal drea conirmed abser:ce of infection ! circulation of vin!s Results demonstrated effec- 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

(See Section on Eradication) 

3. Boundaries of the FM® Free Area and Surveillance Area 

(Briefly describe geography of FMD free and surveillance areas. Include 

map showing both areas). 

The FMD free area with vaccination is systematically vaccinated for FMD. 

The area includes the Provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, Tucuman, Santiago del Estero, Santa Fe, Con -ientes, Misiones, Entre Rios, Cordoba, Buenos Aires, La Pampa, San Juan, San Luis, Mendoza and Rio Negro. 

To the South is the FMD free area without vaccination that serves as surveillance zone for the area that was recognized by the O.I.E. (in May 2002) as FMD 

free without vaccination (Provinces of Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del 

Fuego). 

The southern boundary of the FMD free area with vaccination is the Negro 

River and the political boundary of the Province of Neuquen. 

The northem boundary is the international border vvith Bolivia and Paraguay, 

where a 25 Km. vvide Protection Zone was defined (Provinces of Jujuy, Salta 

and Formosa). 

This border zone that has an area of 3 million hectares and is approximately 

1,200 Km. long extends from the Santa Catalina District in the Province of Jujuy 

to the Laishi District in the Province of Formosa. 

The Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health 

requires the buffer zone to protect an FMD free area with vaccination to be beyond the Free Area. This requirement was impossible to meet because the area 

is an intemational border, therefore the buffer zone was established in the free 

area and is referred to as "Protection Zone". 

(See details and Map in Annex 11 BORDER PROTECTION PROGRAMME — 

NORTHERN BORDER) 

GeograpilicCharactel i'sationofArgentine Borders 

Dry bcrders ot ArGe„tina mu~~ be ~ c ifca ac fn Inw5 , la.,s. I„d I.,..._. 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

Border with BRAZIL (IVortheast and East). 

Border with URUGUAY (East). 

Borderwith Chile 

Total length of the border: 4.591 Km. 

Length of Dry Border: 4.591 Km. 

Characteristic: The Andean Mountain Range constitutes a natural border. 

Border with Bolivia 

Total length of the border: 765 Km. 

Length of river border: 385 Km. 

Along the Pilcomayo River: 40 Km. (Province of Salta). 

Along the Grande de Tarija River: 120 Km. (Province of Salta). 

Along the Bermejo River: 125 Km. (Province of Salta). 

Along other smaller rivers: 100 Km. (Provinces of Salta and Jujuy). 

Length of Dry Border: 380 Km. 

Topography along the Bolivian border slopes from West to East. Average altitude in the West is 3,000 metres, and in the East only 400 metres. 

Border with Paraguay 

Total length of the border: 1.570 Km. 

Length of river border: 1.220 Km. 

Along the Parana River: 630 Km. (Provinces of Corrientes and Misiones). 

Along the Paraguay River: 290 Km. (Provinces of Formosa and Chaco). 

Along the Pilcomayo River: 300 Km. (Province of Formosa). 

Length of Dry Border (diverted bed of Pilcomayo River): 350 Km. (La Estrella 

Swamp or Pantalon System). 

The western border is dry and the piains in the Province of Formosa continue 

fnto Paraguay with no natural geographic interruption. 

T he Piicornayo River bed reappears to t he East of the town of Pa!mar, District 

of Salto. 

t3ulClel Vvlifi C3fde-ii 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

Length of river border: 1.052 Km. 

Along the Uruguay River: 695 Km. (Provinces of Misiones and Corrientes). 

Along the Pepiri-Guazu River: 134 Km. (Province of Misiones). 

Along the San Antonio River: 94 Km. (Province of Misiones). 

Along the Iguazu River: 129 Km. (Province of Misiones). 

Length of dry border: 27 Km. (Bemardo de Irigoyen area). 

The border with Brazil follows the Iguazu River (Northem border) and continues 

along the Uruguay River to the South. 

Border with Uruguay 

Total length of the border: 866 Km. 

Length of river border: 866 Km. 

Along the Uruguay River: 491 Km. (Provinces of Corrientes and Entre Rios). 

Along the Del Plata River: 375 Km. (Province of Buenos Aires). 

This border is clearly defined by two rivers (Uruguay and Del Plata). 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

Map showing FMD Free Area with Vaccination 

Regiones con distintos Status Sanitarios 

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11 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

4. Free Area 

A. Surveillance 

(Briefly describe the system, see Section on Surveillance in FMD free 

area) 

The National Epidemiological Surveillance System implemented by SENASA 

provides timely, reliable, up-dated information on emerging and existing diseases as provided for in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapter 1.3.6, of 

the World Organisation forAnimal Health. 

The system is based on a set of necessary actions to prevent and allow early 

detection of animal diseases and enable effective control and eradication. 

The two main components of the Surveillance System are: active surveillance 

and passive surveillance. 

Within SENASA, the central, regional and local levels are responsible for the 

actions and the implementation of the System. 

a) At the Central Level: primary responsibility lies with the Epidemiology Office of the National Animal Health Directorate (DNSA). 

The Epidemiology Office receives technical support from the Technical 

Advisory Epidemiology Commission that was created by SENASA Resolution No. 369/2001. The members of this Commission are experts of the 

National Farm Technology Institute (INTA), the Animal Virology Centre 

(CEVAN), and Schools of Veterinary Sciences. 

Responsibilities of the Epidemiology Office include: 

• Epidemio-surveillance and continuous monitoring. 

• Assessment of epidemiological indicators. 

• Follow-up of vaccination campaigns. 

• Recording of notifications, suspect cases and outbreaks of diseases. 

• Epidemiological analysis and follow-up. 

• `Afriinn Cf cncrifr rr y ~ IPc ylll animal hPalth. . r~~,,.~ 

• Implementation of sanitary measures. 

~ Comrnunication ~ writing of repnrts for nationai and international agencies 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

b)At the Regional Level: primary responsibility lies with the 23 Regional Supervisors of the National Animal Health Directorate. 

Regional Supervisors are mainly responsible for auditing in their region. 

c) At the Local Level: primary responsibility lies with the Local Veterinarians that 

manage the Local SENASA Offices (305). 

Local SENASA Veterinarians are responsible for directly implementing the actions and constitute the first level of response and collection of information. 

Information is received from voluntary reporting, slaughterhouses, veterinarians 

in private practice, farmers, truckers, livestock dealers, local animal health 

NGOs, etc. 

Main actions at this Level: 

• Primary response to reported cases. 

• Preparation of protocols and forwarding of notifications and reports on 

suspect cases of FMD and other diseases. 

. Reporting on progress of vaccination campaigns, serological monitoring, 

etc. 

(See Section 11.2 Surveillance) 

B. Regulatory Measures 

(Briefly list governing legislation, see Section on FMD Prevention in Free 

Area) 

Law No. 3959 of 1902 issued by the Executive Branch creates the Animal 

Health Law Enforcement Authority. 

Law No. 24.305 of 1993 issued by the Executive Branch, is the National Foot 

and Mouth Disease Law. This law and Regulatory Decree No. 643/96 state that 

FMD eradication in Argentina is of national interest and create the National Foot 

and Mouth Disease Eradication Program. 

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SENASA Resolution No 234/96 establishes the National Epidemiological Sur- 

•.eillance System 

Rec,luiti,^_,n N.^_. 3981 /99 defines the requlremenT.s and restrictions to impoii iive 

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O.I.E. - Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

Resolution No. 295/1999 lists products of animal and plant origin that do not 

represent a risk for animal or plant health and that may be imported through 

points of entry into the country by persons and/or in their luggage. 

Resolution No. 299/1999 approves the Procedures Manual for checking individuals, luggage and transport vehicles at border posts. 

Resolution No. 647/1996 determines requirements for transit of animals through 

Argentina from or between MERCOSUR member states (Common Market of 

the South). 

Resolution No. 761/1999 establishes that individuals or companies operating in 

intemational postal trade and that as a result may wish to import veterinary medicinal products, must register with the Register of Wholesalers of Veterinary 

Medicinal Products. Registration requirements. Responsibility of the Technical 

Director. 

Resolution No. 501/2001 approves the Border Posts Manual and actions required at Authorised Border Posts pursuant to the Animal Health Prevention 

System to prevent entry of exotic animal diseases and quarantine or high risk 

plant pests. 

SENASA Resolution No. 779/99 establishes the National Sanitary Emergency 

System and creates the Regional Emergency Response Teams. 

SENASA Resolution No. 58/2001 establishes requirements for movement of 

animals, products and by-products between regions defined in the FMD Eradication Programme. 

SENASA Resolution No. 383/2001 updates the Vesicular Disease Notification 

System. 

SENASA Resolution No. 34/2002 defines the period in which bovines will be 

vaccinated for FMD concordant with geographic, epidemiological and production characteristics of the different regions. 

S€"IASA Resolution nlo. 35/2nn2 annrnves the Epidemiological Enquiry and 

Control Actions Programme for suspect cases of FMD. 

SENASA. Reso[ution n!c 37i20O2 defines additional epidemiological enquiries, 

riSk anal.51s 2nd preventlon meaSlires in resGoiise ta ' ~Wv risk sltuatlons. 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

regulations, such as: notification of animal diseases, epidemiological surveillance and follow-up, risk analysis, and sanitary emergencies. 

SENASA Resolution No. 81612002 defines requirements for importing animal 

products and by-products, veterinary products, and products containing substances of animal origin. 

(See ANNEX III - LEGAL FRAMEWORK). 

C. Compliance of Vaccines with O.I.E. Standards 

(State whether FMD vaccine complies with O.I.E. Standards, see Section 

on Prevention in FMD Free Area) 

AII batches of vaccines manufactured in the country are tested by the Animal 

Laboratory Department of the Official Laboratory and Technical Control Directorate (DILACOT) of SENASA as provided for in above described statute (Resolution No. 219/95) that is concordant with the Manual of Diagnostic Tests and 

Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals of the O.I.E. 

(See Section on FMD Prevention). 

D. Evidence of Absence of Viral Activity 

(Briefly describe the system, see Section on FMD Surveillance in Free 

Area) 

Absence of virus circulation is determined following the criteria of Annex 3.8.6 of 

the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the O.I.E. 

Sources of information for the National Epidemiological Surveillance system 

are: 

- Passive Surveillance: response of trained staff to notifications of suspect 

cases of vesicular diseases following procedures and statutory requirements. 

Training and informative meetings for all players in the livestocking sector. 

_ Acti;,e Citnicilianca• cnertific r_.nntrols including clinical inspection (at livestock 

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markets, road controls, prior to shipment of animais, at slaughterhouses, etc.), 

and sPro-surveiliance with specific sarnplinq design. 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

5. Protection Zone 

(BORDER PROTECTION PROGRAMME — NORTHERN BORDER including 

description of the area and actions required in the Protection Zone, is attached). 

A. Surveillance 

(Briefly describe the system, see Section on FMD Surveillance in Protection Zone) 

The Surveillance System for the Protection Zone includes additional actions to 

those required in the rest of the country. For the annual serological samplings, 

the Protection Zone is included in the "border" area. The Protection Zone is subject to additional samplings with a specific design and stringent assumptions. In 

general, samples are collected during vaccination campaigns. 

(See Surveillance, Section B.2 Serological Surveillance). 

Areas are characterised according to their epidemiological risk. Holdings of importance for prevention purposes are identified based on a number of indicators 

and subject to continuous surveillance including clinical inspections, follow-up, 

and stringent controls on animal population and movements. 

This area also has active surveillance since all animals must be inspected prior 

to shipment to other areas. 

Additionally, the area is patrolled and border controls are tighter. 

(BORDER PROTECTION PROGRAMME — NORTHERN BORDER that includes the area and actions required in the Protection Zone is attached). 

B. Regulatory Framework 

(Briefly describe regulatory framework, see Section on FMD Prevention in 

Protection Zone) 

Regulations listed in Section 4.6 also apply to the Protection Zone. 

SENASA Resolution No. 876/2002 authorises entry and transit of raw bovine 

hides and bovine leather chew bites for dogs originating from Paraguay, provided pruducts are treated to ensure inuctivation of FMDV. 

SENASA i'esolution~ No. u?:`200"~ a:,~ thcrisefi trar,sit r_,f c_ompound pet food from 

~~ ra ~ i av nrrwiriPri ni-t?;ju^t Is adeCluatel;% oroCQssed tO @nGUre inactivatlon of 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Summary of the Report 

SENASA Resolution No. 1l2004 authorises transit to third countries of maturated beef, and chilled and frozen boneless beef free of visible lymph nodes 

from Paraguay, provided products are adequately treated to ensure inactivation 

of FMDV and do not present risk of contamination, as provided for in Recommendations for Risk Mitigation (Intemational Animal Health Code). 

SENASA Resolution No. 403 of June 14, 2004 provides technical and economic 

justification for border protection activities including prevention strategies and 

measures to be included in the specific programmes. 

SENASA Resolution No. 446/2004 establishes the "Border Protection Programme Department" under the National Animal Health Directorate. The mission of this Department is to implement actions as required by the Programme, 

and interact with other SENASA offices involved in border protection such as 

the Agrifood Directorate, the International Trade Office, and the Official Services 

of neighbouring countries. 

Above Resolutions apply to the whole country. For more details see ANNEX III - 

LEGAL FRAMEWORK. 

C. Compliance of Vaccines w+ith O.I.E. Standards 

(State if FMD vaccine complies with O.I.E. Standards. See Section on FMD 

Prevention in Protection Zone) 

See Item 4.C. 
O.I.E. - Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area Wth Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

II. REPORT CONTENT 

II. 1. SECTION ABOUT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE PREVENTION 

A. AREA FREE FROM FOOT AND MOUTH DlSEASE 

Sum up prevention measures for foot and mouth disease applied to the free 

from this disease area. Make reference to regulations and national legislation 

and directives of the veterinary services and when appropriate, include the texts 

in an enclosed document. Please, provide a brief answer to the following points: 

A. 1. National coordination (and international, if appropriate) 

National coordination of all the measures referred to animal health and particularly to Foot and Mouth Disease is carried out by the NATIONAL ANIMAL 

HEALTH AND AGRIFOOD QUALITY SERVICE — SENASA. Through its structure, established by Decree N° 1585/96, SENASA coordinates the actions 

against FMD, this faculties are granted by Laws N° 23.899, 3959 and 24.305. 

The National Bureau of Animal Health of SENASA, implements the FMD Eradication Plan, with an operative and a regulatory area, which enables to audit and 

apply the strategies and actions established in the Plan. 

(See 2. Veterinary Services of Section about Farming industry and Veterinary 

System.). 

lnternationa/ Coordination: 

OIE: 

The Argentine Republic, as a member state, provides the setting for the official 

programs of fight, prevention and eradication of animal diseases in the coordination actions that OIE leads. 

Regional Coordination : 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area Wth Vaccination 

Section on Preven5on. 

against foot and mouth disease, actions of epidemiological survey and the improving of the Continental System of Information. 

In that way, based on binational agreements, the Argentine Republic added 

border programs, thus assuring the knowledge of the epidemiological situation, 

the development of vaccination campaigns, united training and mutual warranties that strengthen Regional and National Systems of Epidemiological Survey. 

Hemispheric Plan to Control and Eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease 

The Hemispheric Plan to Control and Eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease is coordinated by the Pan American Foot and Mouth Disease Centre 

(PANAFTOSA). Argentina participates in a subprogram of the Hemispheric Plan 

to Control and Eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease, the "del Plata Basin Agreement to Eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease". 

Del Plata Basin Agreement for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease 

The Agreement was signed by Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil in Porto Alegre, 

Brazil, to discuss and co-ordinate a common strategy to eradicate Foot and 

Mouth Disease. The strategic plan was developed by experts of all three countries in February, 1988 and became operational in 1989. 

Paraguay and then Bolivia joined in 1992. Chile participates as an observer. 

From the regional epidemic in 2001, a program to adequate strategies and 

united actions between states that consists in subprojects to work in the frontier, 

the re-implementation of vaccination against foot and mouth disease, epidemiological survey actions and the improving of the Continental System of Information was established in the action plan of the Hemispheric Plan to Control and 

Eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (PHEFA). 

Thus, according to binational agreements, Argentina added frontier programs, 

assul~ing the k iowiedge of epidemiological situatinn, rlevelOpment of Vacclnation campaigns, joint training and mutual guarantees that strengthen Regional 

and National Systems nf EPidemioiogicai Survey 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on Prevention, 

country, and two permanent consultants - the Co-ordinator and the Epidemiologist - for the member countries. 

The Technical Advisory Group, that meets four times a year, is the operational 

arm of the Agreement. 

The multilateral Agreement establishes a reciprocal information system that requires weekly reports on confirmed and/or suspect cases of vesicular diseases 

stating geographic location, actuating virus strains, exposed population, number 

of diseased animals, etc. The system also requires immediate notification of any 

health risk situation in border areas. 

Member countries also exchange information on prices of live steers to identify 

risk situations or trends in the illegal trade of animals, products and by-products 

in border areas. 

The Agreement also requires any country that identifies a suspect case or disease in an area within 60 Km. from the border, or in any other geographical 

area that may represent a risk for any of the signatory countries, to immediately 

notify the neighbouring countries to allow implementation of appropriate preventive measures. 

Technical Assistance Agreement between Argentina and Bolivia 

Argentina is collaborating with the Govemment of Bolivia to eradicate FMD with 

technology transfer and technical assistance to design the Bolivian Animal 

Health Program. 

SENASA's Laboratories Office provided training to Bolivian technicians to carry 

out and standardise serum tests for FMD diagnosis (VIAA and EITB). 

Periodical meetings are kept between the agents of both countries to exchange 

health information referred to registers, animal population, risk zones or top 

prevention, vaccination, notifications and suspicions, serological sampling, etc. 

In his turn and altogether with other states of the region, Boiivia recelVCs cooperation to make and organize the Plan for the Control and Eradication of Foot 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

Argentina and Paraguay agreed to work together to define an FMD vaccination, 

prevention and epidemio-surveillance program to mitigate the risk of FMD in the 

border area. 

Recently, the National Animal Health and Agrifood Quality Service (SENASA) 

signed a letter of intent with the Sanitary Service of Paraguay (SENACSA) and 

the White Caps Board to `agree on the mechanism of participation and cooperation' of the latter on both sides of the frontier within the terms of the Regional 

Program for Foot and Mouth Disease Eradication that is driven by the Southern 

Farming Council (CAS). 

Limited by these actions, the Program of Frontier Inspection —that Resolution 

SENASA No. 403 created this year— was implemented. See enclosed document 

referred to Inspection Zone for more details about it. 

Southern Farming Council (CAS) and Permanent Veterinary Committee of 

Southem Cone (CVP). 

Farming Ministries of the expanded MERCOSUR (Southern Union) member 

states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Chile) signed the 

agreement which forms the Southem Farming Council (CAS), as an instrument 

of dialogue, advice and coordination of activities for the region relating to farming, forestry and fishing areas, animal and plant health and food harmlessness 

as well as international negotiations on products commerce. 

Within CAS it was constituted the Permanent Veterinary Committee of the 

Southem Cone (CVP), with the principal aim of coordinating actions and increasing regional capability of prevention, control and avoidance of health risks 

and impacts that damage production and commercialization of animals, products and byproducts of animal origin in the region. The CVP is composed by top 

level authorities of Animal Health Ministries of inember states. Among its outstanding functions, the CVP coordinates actions and strategies of inember 

states before other countries or economic communities to facilitate commercialization of farming products; coordinates the activities of the member states 

before i(iternatioiiai GrganiZa^tions (,'_.IE, N„trttior,81 Goriex, FAC), OPv, etc. , : 

summons the formatlon oT rllultllilatiiiiiionai aiid .=taffS ._ _aI'_ 

. 

orvnorn.nnnir ._ 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area v,rith Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

A. 2. Import Controls (in the region) 

Procedures and criteria to issue import permits for live animals, their genetic 

material and animal products, are based on the principles of Risk Analysis, regionalisation and equivalence promoted by the World Trade Organisation, 

health data, and O.I.E. recommendations. 

Permits to import live animals, reproductive material and animal products must 

be approved in advance by SENASA's head office. 

SENASA has an Animal Quarantine Advisory Committee whose members are 

professionals from a number of SENASA offices and experts from the National 

University of Buenos Aires, the National University of La Plata, the INTA, the 

National Virology Institute, and others. 

Import permits are issued only if the products are not viable for the FMDV, as 

defined in 0.1. E. recommendations. 

At the border posts, documentation and identity checks are perFormed, and the 

goods are inspected based on the premise that the zoosanitary risk of the products or animals for which an import permit has been issued was assessed prior 

to arrival. 

At the border posts, transportation vehicles, passengers and luggage are also 

inspected for any unauthorised goods that may be carried. 

SENASA has signed agreements with other official agencies responsible for 

controlling border areas. New agreements were signed with the Border Patrol 

Authority (surface freight) and with the Argentine Coast Guard (maritime and 

river freight controls). 

A. 2. 1. Risk Policy and Risk Assessment 

The FMD Eradication Program is based on a continuous analysis of the health 

risks as defined in O.I.E. standards. 

I ne JCIVAJ/'1 IIaJ a uv( nrni c~ n L,,,,, r+,~ r~;,.~.~ ~ ~irunlc~ti~ h ~f Rick AnAlvRis ~ -.- rSFNASA Resolution ~ -- No. 

324/03), depending on the Presidency, that advices the different technical arras, inr_.luded the Animal Quarantine Office and the Internationai T raffic Cffice, 

, i~:Yo,r;sible f,r the apollcation of animal and prc,duct ii5"ipo! i poiicies. 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area v,rith Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

anima!s and reproductive material) and of the International Traffic Office (for 

products of animal origin), to assess the possibilities of risk spread. These procedures are based on the app!ication of international rules of the OIE and become the refusal or acceptation of those imports. In case of acceptation the 

hea!th requirements are e!aborated as measures to be app!ied to reduce risks. 

The regu!ations are SENASA Resolution No. 1354194 that rules over procedures of live animal imports, and SENASA Resolution No. 816/02 for procedures of animal product imports. 

In border posts the physical, documental and identification contro!s are performed to verify that everything that is imported has fu!filled the estab!ished procedures for import, and had gone with the pre-estab!ished corresponding international documents. 

In the same way, in border posts, checks of ineans of transport, passengers 

and luggage is performed in order to detect the probab!e entrance of nonauthorized merchandise. 

Regarding hea!th po!icy of imports about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the criteria 

of OIE Code ix are app!ied considering the recognized status of the territory 

where merchandise come from as well as the one of the territory where merchandise go to in Argentina. These aspects are estab!ished by SENASA Resolution No. 398/99. 

The Risk Analysis Unit, created by SENASA Resolution No. 185/03, gives 

backup on hea!th po!icy, in this case re!ated to Foot and Mouth Disease. 

A.2.2. Animals and products 

• Ports/borders 

• National and International waste 

• Animals 

• Genetic material (semen and embryos) 

• Biological products 

• Meat and other animal products (milk, meat products) 

!'rocedures and criteria to issue innpoi—I F,ermits fvr ii`dc animu!s, tnelr ye.']ei!!: 

material and animal products. are nased on the prir ~ uip!es of Ris!:;; alysis, r; 

. 

.,; ~ y :_ , . ~ . ,. 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area vrith Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

sanitary measures of the World Trade Organisation, and O.I.E. recommendations. 

Permits to import live animals, reproductive material and animal products must 

be approved in advance by SENASA's head office. 

SENASA requires a permit to import live animals, their genetic material and 

animal products. The import permit is issued provided the goods meet the applicable zoosanitary requirements. 

Import permits may be authorised after a complete analysis and assessment of: 

• The type of product that wwill be imported. 

• The health status of the exporting country. 

• The approval of the slaughter or processing plant in the country of origin. 

• The transit of the goods through third countries. 

• Approved port of entry into Argentina. 

• Expected use of the product. 

• Point of destination for the product. 

AII imported live animals must be quarantined at SENASA's quarantine facility in 

the City of Buenos Aires. Quarantine requirements are in line with international 

recommendations (30 days). At the end of the quarantine period, the animals 

may be shipped to the holding of destination where they remain under postquarantine observation for another thirty (30) days. At that time, the local SENASA veterinarian issues the post-quarantine certificate. mported breeding 

ruminants are continuously controlled until the end of their life, as required by 

the Epidemio-Surveillance System to avoid the entry of bovines affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). 

Measures have been adopted to avoid the re-entry and reduce the risk of FMD. 

These measures mitigate the external risk and establish appropriate internal 

controls to enable an early detection of the disease. Specific rules and sanitary 

actions have been developed to reduce the possibilities of the FMDV entering 

the country. 

f he rules that detine pre-irrportation ptocedures and controls for goods and 

;Qalth rarifi^.ntFS rRni;ired at 1!I o.G!nts :?r entr'J arP 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

SENASA Resolution N° 81612002 (animal products and by-products), SENASA 

Resolution N° 1354/1994 (live animals and their reproductive material), 

SENASA Resolution N° 1415/94 (specificalfy refers to semen and embryos). 

SENASA Resolution N° 99/1999 created the Beagle dog Brigade that operates 

at the main airports. The dogs are trained to identify organic material carried by 

passengers and in luggage. The main Approved Border Posts have scanners 

(X-rays) to identify organic material. 

A joint Resolution (N° 636/1999) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (AFIP) 

and SENASA (N° 760) established the Customs Declaration Form and Affidavit 

on Animals, Plants, and Farm Products carried into the country. AII passengers 

entering Argentina must complete this form. 

SENASA Resolution N° 647/1996 refers to animal transit through the territory, 

from one of the party states or among the party states of the south common 

market. 

SENASA Resolution N° 761/1999 establishes that individuals or legal entities, 

developing activities related to intemational postal market, and intending to introduce veterinary products to the country, shall be registered in the Registry of 

Veterinary Products Distribution. Registration requirements. Responsibilities of 

the professional acting as Technical Director. 

SENASA Resolution N° 501/2001 approves the Border Manual. 

Actions to be developed in the Approved Border Posts, within the framework of 

the Prevention Sanitary system about introduction of exotic diseases animals 

and quarantine plant pests or of high risk. 

At the points of entry into the country, billboards and brochures provide information on the products that represent a health risk for animals and plants and therefore are banned for entry into Argentina. 

SENASA has signed a number of agreements with other law enforcement authorities (Border Patrol, Coast Guard) to have their assistance in controiling the 

borders and other points of entry. 

!ntemationai uVaste 

Organic waste from vesseis anci aircraI't, Nai ucuiar ly icc:: d._- s.e 

i~

u an >vr~ c onn ii ....,.••, r-••• rrr•+ ~ ~ niir !i :ii ~u~ i.c vi ,'. 

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area vrith Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

tablishes waste management procedures and controls for intemational carriers 

and concessionaires of port and airport terminals. 

A.2.3. Biosafety 

AII slaughter plants with federal transit (SENASA approval for products of these 

plants to transit among difFerent provinces) approved by SENASA must comply 

with biosafety requirements for pathological and non-pathological waste, and 

effluents. Compliance is verified and audited by SENASA to ensure strict compliance with current statutes. 

Compliance with biosafety requirements is specified in the National Meat Law 

N° 22375. 

A.3. Supervision by Official Veterinary Services 

The Official Service supervises the development and actions within SENASA's 

scope of authority for imports, specifically: 

• Import controls based on technical procedures and criteria in line with the 

country's health status and international requirements. 

• Risk assessment by the Risk Analysis Team and other areas, for the 

permits to import and export animals and products. 

AII control actions and procedures at the borders are perFormed by SENASA 

offlcials. 

A.4. Use of Vaccines against FMD 

A.4.1. Use of Vaccines 

The National Plan foresees regular and systematic vaccination of the bovine 

species. Strategic or emergency vaccination is used for other susceptible species. The vaccine used is inactivated, oily, provides extended immunity and is 

manufactured by private laboratories under SENASA control. AII the vaccine 

against FMD used within the territory is national. 

T;^Jo annual vacr_.inations are carded out on all the bovine population. This vaccInation Is performed by otfclal vaccinator5 €hat repoii to tie i_ocai A^Im al 

Health NGOs Vaccination is scheduled and co-ordinated by the proyianiniers 
O.f.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area Wth Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

Local SENASA Veterinarians certify, control, and audit the vaccination campaigns, and, on scheduled dates, submit reports on the progress of the campaign to SENASA's Head Office. 

SENASA, at the local, regional and central level, is responsible for the analysis, 

monitoring and follow-up of the campaigns. 

In some regions, vaccination dates difFer to accommodate to the production systems, and the geographic and epidemiological characteristics of the area. More 

than 115 million doses were applied in 2003, in two campaigns. A total of 

58.225.307 doses were applied in the first annual campaign, in 2004. The second campaign is under implementation (see aftached table for more details.) 

A.4.2. Production of vaccines 

Production and quality control of the vaccine against FMD in Argentina meet the 

requirements of the O.I.E. Manual of standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines and with the recommendations of the OIE Reference Regional Centre, 

PANAFTOSA. 

Argentina is capable of producing enough vaccines to attend the demand of all 

the country. 

Vaccine production and diagnosis comply with biosafety NBS-3 Agriculture 

standards. A biosafety committee (SENASA Resolutions N° 104/95-472/95- 

507/01-117/04) controls compliance of the standards. 

The vaccines used are manufactured with an oil-based, inactivated with a firstorder chemical inactivator (BEI: binary ethylene imine). 

The vaccine used in Argentina contains the following strains: 01 Campos, A24 

Cruzeiro, A Argentina 2000 and A Argentina 2001. 

A suspension of BHK-21 cells and the Frenkel method are used for viral replication. 

Manufacturers use different methods to concentrate the vaccine (ultracentrifugation, and/or PEG). 

AII vials are identified with technical and manufacturer brand labels a sequenIl ~ Ily IItIfII41elt'.0 lJllll,ldl Jtalllt.J ula

a u.,... ~ a..,~ ..,.. ri.J,a t.afoc the 

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C:old trucks used to Ira115[JUfi Ihe vdccirics are cauipNed aJii ~i , - 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area Wth Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

Manufacturers apply internal quality controls that include: antigenic identity and 

mass, inactivation kinetics, conductivity, viscosity, sterility and safety. 

SENASA perForms auditories of the production processes in critical points. 

After filling, stamping, and completing the intemal controls, the vaccines are 

subjected to official controls for approval. 

A.4.3. Quality Control for Vaccines 

AII series of FMD vaccines manufactured in the country are tested by 

SENASA"s Laboratory (DILACOT), as required in SENASA Resolution N° 

219/95 and annexes 6195 and 195/2001. 

Samples at random of the final product are collected to perform official controls. 

Each series is tested for: 

Safety: Elution and concentration of the vaccine virus, passage through BHK 

cells, and inoculation of the whole-virus vaccine in lactating mice. 

Sterility: Seeding in normal laboratory media to demonstrate absence of bacterial or fungal contaminants. 

Stability: Viscosity, conductivity, centrifuge and accelerated ageing tests are 

used to confirm stability of emulsion and it is controlled at different temperatures 

(ambient, 37°C). 

Purity: Vaccines must not interfere with tests to detect antibodies against nonstructural proteins of FMDV. Sera from bovines used for Potency Test are tested with 3 ABC ELISA + EITB. 

Efficacy or Potency: 

a) Vaccines submitted for registration or first series to control: 

Vaccines submitted for registration are tested with the generalized foot infection 

(PGP). Sixteen (16) antibody free bovines, borrl and raised in the free zone without vaccination (Patagonia) are challenged and tested ninety (90) days after 

vaccination. T he iested vaccines r~ rust pr ovide pro tectinn in Pighty-one (81) per 

cent of the challenged animals for each virus type included in the vaccine. (This 

'est is considered as Cold Sandard). 

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O.I. E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

body free bovines — previously confirmed with liquid phase ELISA -, are vaccinated. The animals selected fro the FMD free area without vaccination and are 

taken to an experimental field managed by the Official Service in Colonia 25 de 

Mayo, Province of La Pampa. The animals are bled 30 and 60 days after vaccination. The level of specific antibodies for each one of the valencies included in 

the vaccine is tested with liquid phase ELISA. The average of the 16 titres determines the Expected Protection Percentage (EPP) for each valency. The 

minimum EPP to approve a series is 81% for each one of the four valencies 

(SENASA Resolution N° 251/03). 

The series of vaccines that successfully passes all the controls is approved and 

released for marketing. 

If a series fails any of the controls, the series is rejected, condemned and destroyed. 

B. PROTECTION ZONE 

Provide a summary of Foot and Mouth disease prevention applied in the 

Protection zone. Make reference to regulations and national legislation 

and directives of veterinary services, and if appropriate, include the texts 

in the annex. Please, provide a brief answer of the following items: 

B.1. National Coordination (and International, if appropriate) 

National coordination of all the measures referred to animal health and particularly to Foot and Mouth Disease is carried out by the NATIONAL ANIMAL 

HEALTH AND AGRIFOOD QUALITY SERVICE — SENASA. Through its structure, established by Decree N° 1585/96, SENASA coordinates the actions 

against FMD, this faculties are granted by Laws N° 23.899, 3959 and 24.305. 

The National Bureau of Animal Health of SENASA, implements the FMD Eradication Plan, with an operative and a regulatory area, which enables to audit and 

appiy the strategies and actions estabiished in the Plan. 

A specific area was created to coordinate, implement and perform the follow-up 

of the urevention, surueillance and control sanitary measures. within the scope 

^f' o:i3tir;;;

16 ~ i B ~ireau of Anin;a! Health regarding natir~ nai coordination ot the

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O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

unit which purpose is to implement the actions of the Program, interacting with 

other areas of SENASA, such as the Agrifood Inspection Office and International Traffic Office and official services of neighbouring countries. 

One of the main parts of the BORDER CONTROL PROGRAM — NORTHERN 

BORDER for the Protection Zone, is the implementation of joint sanitary actions 

in the border area, with the Republic of Bolivia and Paraguay, through agreements, in order to keep an homogenous epidemio-surveillance system in the 

region. 

With regards to Regional and International Coordination of the Border Control 

Program, implemented in the Protection Zone, it is carried out through cooperation bilateral and technical assistance agreements with neighbouring countries 

and the participation of Argentina in different international entities described in 

point A. 1. (OIE, PANAFTOSA, CAS, CVP). 

(See point A.1 of this section and Annex 11 BORDER CONTROL PROGRAM — 

NORTHERN BORDER dealing with the area and actions to be implemented in 

the Protection Zone). 

B.2. Imports Control (in the zone) 

The same import controls described for the free area (item A.2.) are applied to 

this zone. In the case of introduction of susceptible animals from the free zone 

of the country, identification by caravan and revaccination are required. 

B.2.1. Policy and Risk Assessment 

The same import policies and risk assessment described in point A.2.1. area 

applied to this zone. 

A continuous assessment of situations that could increase the risk of illegal introduction of animals and products from neighbouring countries is performed. 

B.2.2. Animals and animal products 

• Portslborders 

• IVationai arld iiiterioatie:isai `niisaste 

• Animals 

Genetic 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area vrith Vaccination 

Section on Prevention. 

• Biological products 

• Meat and other animal products (milk, meta products) 

See point A.2.2. 

Controls are reinforced jointly vvith other law enforcement authorities such as 

Border Patrol, Coast Guard, provincial governments, etc. in this protection zone. 

B.2.3. Biological safety 

See point A.2.3. 

B.3. Supervision by Official Veterinary Services 

See point A.3. 

B.4. Use of Vaccines against FMD 

B.4.1. Use of Vaccines 

AII susceptible farm species (not only bovines) are vaccinated and individually 

identified by caravans in the zone of the Border Control Program unlike the rest 

of the free zone. Vaccination is ofFicial, and the operative costs and costs of the 

vaccine are paid by the National State. Operative actions are perFormed by Regional Supervisors, SENASA veterinarians and vaccinators hired for this purpose. 

The vaccine is the same as for the rest of the country. 

(See Annex 11 BORDER CONTROL PROGRAM — NORTHERN BORDER). 

B.4.2. Vaccine Production. 

See point A.4.2. 

B.4.3. Vaccine Quality Control 

See point A.4.3. 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on surveillance 

11.2. SECTION ABOUT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE SURVEILLANCE 

A. FOOT AND MOUTH FREE ZONE 

Provide a summary of foot and mouth disease surveillance measures applied in the foot and mouth disease free zone. Make reference to regulations and national legislation and directives of veterinary services, and if 

appropriate, include the texts in the annex. Please, provide a brief answer 

of the following items: 

The National Epidemio-Surveillance System implemented by SENASA seeks to 

obtain timely, reliable and updated information on all aspects related to emerging and existing diseases, as stated in Chapter 1.3.6. of the O.I.E.'s Intemational Animal Health Code. 

The system includes methods, actions and procedures that enable an early detection of diseases and infections/viral circulation. 

These activities foresee passive and active surveillance procedures. 

The National Epidemio-Surveillance System, established by SENASA Resolution N° 234/96, comprises every sector, both official and private, related to livestock production. 

SENASA established, by Resolution N° 422/2003, a regulatory framework foreseeing all aspects related to protection and fight against diseases, adapted to 

the international standards in force in every subject about systems of: 

• Notification of animal diseases, 

• Epidemiological surveillance and ongoing epidemiological follow up, 

• Risk analysis, 

• Sanitary emergencies 

Passive Epidemio-surveillance: 

Passive surveillance has precise standards such as the Law of Sanitary Police 

ni ,  3959 , the FMD Law N --24.305 and regulatory decree N° 643 establishing 

mandatory, immediate reporting of suspect cases of diseases with FMD-like 

symptoms as this Is basic and indispensable to the effectiveness of the Survelliance Syytein 
O.I.E. — Request to Regain Status of Foot and Mouth Disease Free Area with Vaccination 

Section on surveillance 

AII individuals that are in direct or indirect contact with animals are sensors of 

the National Epidemio-Surveillance System and can make an early detection 

and effectively control the spreading of the disease. 

Sources of information 

a) Farmers: 

Representatives of Farming Bodies make up, at different levels (Central, Regional and Local), the technical, political-administrative commissions and the 

executive structure of the National Plan for the Eradication of the FMD. 

They are responsible for keeping the people they represent updated regarding 

policies, decisions and standards established by the Plan. 

b) Official Animal Health Agents of SENASA: 

The Official Service has qualified agents trained to collect relevant epidemiological information on the health status of the animals. These agents are stationed at he Local SENASA Offices, the slaughter plants, laboratories and livestock concentration markets of other Official Bodies. 

The participation of other official agents, such as professionals of the National 

Farming Technology Institute (INTA) that work at the Extension Centres in the 

various districts and/or departments, the Regional Veterinarians of the Provincial Livestock Bureaus, and the veterinarians working for the local govemments, 

increase the number of qualified informants that make the system more efficient. 

c) Officially Authorised Professionals: 

There are 360 Local Animal Health NGO"s in the national territory, integrated by 

more than 5000 ofFicially authorized professionals (Coordinators, Programmers, 

Veterinar'y Physicians, Vaccinators) wh ~ are in charae of carrying outthe vaccination campaigns 

These professionals are trained to detect and notify cases ol' diseases with vesicu.lar-like svmotoms. 

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