Cosalfa 50

Welcome to COSALFA 50

The 50th Ordinary Meeting of the South American Commission for the Fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA) will take place on April 25th and 26th, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Rio & Resort Hotel, Av. Niemeyer, 121, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

On this special occasion, commemorating the 50th edition of the COSALFA Meeting is an opportune moment to learn and recognize the work and challenges we face in building this history.

The significant and sustained progress of the Hemispheric Program for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PHEFA), since its first action plan in 1988, has made remarkable and solid progress, with approximately 98% of the Americas having achieved and preserved the official status of foot-and-mouth disease-free with or without vaccination granted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). In this regard, and three years after its third Action Plan 2021-2025, the PHEFA enters its final phase, where significant challenges will be addressed on a priority basis in the region.

COSALFA 50 will analyze the current situation in accordance with the challenges of PHEFA, and it is expected to adopt resolutions that give effectiveness to regional technical cooperation, with particular attention to territories that do not yet have recognition of their health status. In addition, an update will be made on the preparation for the final phase and progress on the project of the Regional Bank of Antigens/Vaccines for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and collaborative public-private synergy to advance regional strategies.

Prior to COSALFA 50, on April 22nd and 23rd, the International Seminar "Approaching Regional Eradication: Half a Century of Progress" will take place. In this edition, we are offering the opportunity to present papers related to the topic in a poster session, following the rules for paper submission.

COSALFA is composed of 26 representatives from 13 South American countries and Panama, with a representative from the public sector, the Director of the Official Veterinary Service, and a representative from the private sector, related to the highest trade association that nationally brings together livestock producers.

The 13 COSALFA member countries are: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and Uruguay.

The 50th COSALFA is promoted by the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA/SPV) of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) with the support of the Government of Brazil, through the Secretary of Agricultural Defense (SDA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA).

We look forward to welcoming you to Rio de Janeiro for an unforgettable event!