The analysis of the occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Brazil showed that the disease was endemic until 80's, when a decrease in the number of outbreaks was observed, due to the use of quality vaccine and the identification and control of endemic areas. FMD virus type A was involved in the main epidemics. FMD virus type C was registered less frequently among those that occurred in the country (O, A, C. In 1992, the eradication program with regionalized strategies in accordance with the livestock production systems and agribusiness actors was implemented causing the elimination of outbreaks from 2001 onward. The report of the occurrence of the disease in Brazil, since the 60's calls the attention to the importance of historical knowledge of FMD in adopting policies for animal health and the development of contingency plans for FMD free countries.
epidemiology; foot-and-mouth disease; cattle; Brazil
