EN 
PT_BR 
The Goiás Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa) has extended the deadline for the last mandatory vaccination campaign against rabies in herbivores in Goiás until June 25. The immunization of livestock in the 119 municipalities classified as high risk for the disease was scheduled to end next Sunday (June 15), but will now be extended by 10 more days. The measure aims to ensure greater adherence by rural producers in Goiás to the campaign, considering specific reports of difficulty in acquiring vaccines in some locations.
Animals of all ages of the bovine, buffalo, equine (horse, mule and donkey), goat and sheep species must be vaccinated. This is the last stage of mandatory vaccination, as established by Ordinance No. 246/2025. As of July, immunization against rabies will be strategic, being required only on properties with a confirmed focus of the disease and recommended in perifocal areas, within a radius of up to 12 kilometers from the focus, according to Normative Instruction No. 01/2025.
The president of Agrodefesa, José Ricardo Caixeta Ramos, explains that the decision to extend the deadline seeks to increase opportunities for producers to comply with their health obligations without penalties. “We received some reports of difficulties in purchasing vaccines, which motivated us to extend the deadline. Our goal is to guarantee vaccination coverage without compromising the logistics of livestock farmers, especially in more distant municipalities,” he highlights.
He emphasizes that even with the end of the mandatory vaccination, vaccination continues to be the main form of prevention. “Rabies is a zoonosis with a high fatality rate. Protecting livestock also means protecting people’s health,” he adds.
The coordinator of the State Program for Controlling Rabies in Herbivores at Agrodefesa, Nara Cristiane de Souza, emphasizes that producers’ participation in this final stage is essential to consolidate progress in controlling the disease. “With the change in the vaccination status, it is essential that producers take advantage of this last mandatory requirement to ensure that their herds are protected. We are entering a new phase of the program, which is more targeted and strategic, and active participation is now crucial to maintaining good health rates in the state,” she states.
Immunizers
Vaccines must be purchased from retailers registered with Agrodefesa, which are monitored weekly by the Official Veterinary Service. The inspection observes technical and legal criteria, especially regarding the storage and traceability of products. “The responsibility of retailers is essential for the success of the campaign. Our team continues to closely monitor the entire process to ensure that producers have access to the vaccine with quality and safety,” emphasizes the Agency's Director of Agricultural Defense, Rafael Vieira.
Agrodefesa’s Animal Health Manager, Denise Toledo, emphasizes that the extension of the vaccination period does not change the schedule for the herd declaration, which remains mandatory and must be made by June 30th by all producers in the 246 municipalities of Goiás. “The declaration must be made in the Goiás Agricultural Defense System (Sidago), with updated information on births, deaths and animal development. This is an essential tool for monitoring animal health in Goiás,” she points out.
Denise also emphasizes the strategic role of agricultural defense actions for the credibility of Goiás livestock farming. “Goiás is one of the most respected states in the country when it comes to animal health. This is due to the commitment of producers and the technical work of our employees. Vaccination and herd declaration are pillars of this system of trust and must continue to be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” she states.
