Paraguay hosts OMSA Regional Conference for the Americas

Paraguay is hosting the 28th Regional Commission for the Americas conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OMSA) in Asunción. The event, held from November 2 to 6, brings together ministers, health authorities, and international specialists to discuss epidemiological surveillance, animal disease control, and food security.

Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of the OMSA, praised Paraguay for its 15-year progress in strengthening veterinary services and disease prevention. She specifically noted the country's success in controlling foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever through sustained investment and institutional continuity.

President Santiago Peña emphasized that animal health is a strategic component for public health and international trade. He noted that meeting sanitary standards has expanded Paraguayan market access to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with further efforts directed toward Southeast Asia.

According to José Carlos Martin, president of the National Service for Quality and Animal Health (SENACSA), annual exports of animal products have grown from approximately USD 1.3 billion to USD 2.7 billion in recent years.