Uruguay joins regional foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank

Uruguay has formalized its permanent membership in the Regional Bank of Antigens and Vaccines against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Banvaco). This move makes Uruguay the fourth country to join the mechanism, alongside Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

Coordinated by Panaftosa, the Banvaco serves as a regional cooperation tool designed to ensure timely access to vaccines during sanitary emergencies. The bank maintains reserves of antigens that allow for the rapid production of vaccines tailored to different variants of the foot-and-mouth virus.

This strategic integration follows recent efforts by Uruguayan authorities to update emergency response plans. Officials emphasized that because the country has been free of the disease for over 25 years, there is a critical need to refresh training, controls, and market protection protocols to prepare for potential outbreaks in the region.