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General Information

ARGENTINE REPUBLIC

National Borders

NATIONAL BORDERS

Total Border Kilometers: 14 046

Protected Borders

■ Kilometers of Sea Coast Borders: 4675

km (33 %)

■ Kilometers of River Borders: 3488 km

(25 %)

■ Kilometers of Mountain Borders: 4591

km (33 %)

Unprotected Borders

■ Kilometers of Unprotected Borders:

1292 km (09 %)

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The Argentine Republic is a sovereign State, organized as a representative and federal

republic. It is located at the southeast end of South America. The capital city of the

Nation, and where the federal government is located, is Buenos Aires, an autonomous

city. The territory of the Argentine Republic is divided into 23 provinces: Buenos Aires,

Catamarca, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Mendoza, San Luis, Santa Fe, Salta, Chaco, Chubut,

Córdoba, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Misiones, Neuquén, Río Negro, San Juan,

Santa Cruz, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic

Islands, and Tucumán. Due to its extension (2 780 400 km2), it is the second most

extensive state in Latin America, fourth in the American continent, and eighth in the

world, should we only consider the land area under its effective sovereignty. If one

considers the Falkland, South Georgia and South Sandwich islands and the Shag Rocks

(all governed by the United Kingdom, but under dispute with Argentina regarding their

sovereignty), and the Antarctic area, claimed at the 60º S parallel and named Argentine

Antarctica (which includes the South Orkney and South Shetland islands), the total land

area would rise to 3 761 274 km2 and the country would then be the seventh largest

country in the world.

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Internal administrative borders (regional and local)

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The most important cities and routes of communication

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Most important cities and towns

POPULATION Argentine Republic

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Most important routes of communication / land routes

NATIONAL ROUTES Argentine Republic

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Most important geographical aspects (rivers, mountain range, other)

HYDROGRAPHY Argentine Republic

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LEVEL CURVES Argentine Republic

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FMD Regions

Zones recognized by OIE as

free from FMD

Free zone with vaccination: Broder Strip Free zone with vaccination: Center-North

Free zone without vaccination: Valles de Calingasta Free zone without vaccination: North Patagonia A Free zone without vaccination: Patagonia

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Regionalization of Bovine Brucellosis

The province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands was declared as a "Zone Free from

Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis" by SENASA Resolution No. 100/2011, dated March 1st, 2011.

In order to adopt this measure, SENASA carried out an evaluation of the potential factors for the

occurrence of both diseases in the province, as well as the epidemiological background and the

corresponding epidemiological samplings. It also took into account that no clinical cases or lesions

compatible with such diseases were reported in the bovine population of the province and that no human

cases were reported at the reference centers for animal diseases.

Said Resolution prohibits bovine brucellosis vaccination within the provincial scope and, thus, regulates

the status of area/zone without vaccination that it always had. Moreover, it states that all producers,

veterinarians and other health professionals have the obligation to notify any suspicion or indication of the

occurrence of bovine brucellosis or tuberculosis in line with other standards on this matter.

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ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF HEALTH SERVICES

Central offices of the Health Services of the country or region

The National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) is a decentralized body under the

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Argentine Republic. SENASA is responsible for

implementing animal and plant health and quality policies by supervising compliance with the

legislation in force governing these issues. It is also responsible for controlling movements of goods

and animals within the country and inspecting imported and exported animals, products and derived

products of animal and plant origin, agricultural products, pharmacological and veterinary products,

agrochemicals and fertilizers. SENASA Headquarters are located in Av. Paseo Colón 367, in the

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Local and regional offices of the Health Services of the country or region

Regional organization: As a result of the operational decentralization, 14 Regional Centers (RC) were

created. Each RC has a General Coordinator (GC) of the Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality. The

Regional Supervision Offices (31 throughout the country) report to the GC, and each of the 347 Local

Offices in the country report to their pertinent Regional Supervision Office.

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Influence area of Regional Centers

SENASA Offices are distributed throughout the national territory and report to the

Regional Centers. Their purpose is to provide answers regarding processes and

requested information to agricultural and livestock producers, exporters, importers

and the general public.

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Headquarters

SENASA OFFICES Argentine Republic

REFERENCES REGIONAL CENTERS

HEADQUARTERS OF REGIONAL CENTER

OFFICE

OFFICE HEADQUARTERS

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Official central and regional laboratories

SENASA laboratory is considered an international reference laboratory. It is comprised of a complex of

laboratories specialized in analytic controls related to animal and plant health, food safety and the quality

of products, by-products and agricultural and livestock inputs.

It is comprised of two central laboratories, one in Buenos Aires City and one in Martínez, located in the

northern area of Greater Buenos Aires, plus twelve regional laboratories and four experimental fields

distributed throughout SENASA regional centers. It supervises the National Network of Laboratories, which

has over 400 laboratories owned by third parties registered in all the country, thus facilitating the access

of users to analysis.

The Laboratory Network is made up of:

REGIONAL LABORATORIES: The 12 Regional Laboratories are official SENASA laboratories, located in

various localities within the country. They rely technically on the General Directorate for Laboratories and

Technical Control. They perform analytical tasks related to health and food safety programs, and

biological control testing. They are also responsible for auditing laboratories within SENASA’s National

Network in the provinces.

LABORATORIES OF THE NATIONAL NETWORK: These are both private laboratories and laboratories from

national or provincial institutions which, after having met the requirements laid down by SENASA, are

approved to conduct analyses and controls within the framework of the programs designed by the various

National Directorates of the Service.

Information on the authorized tests of the laboratories of the National Network is available on the

following website:

http://www.senasa.gov.ar/institucional/laboratorio/red-nacional-de-laboratorios-0

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Map of points of entry approved to conduct inspections (air, sea, land), sea

ports, airports, and border control posts

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Official Organizational Chart

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Description of responsibilities of the different structures mentioned in the

organizational chart at national, regional and/or local level and their

coordination

All the objectives and functions of the Service are detailed in Decree No. 354/2013, which amends

Decrees No. 1585/1996 and No. 825/2010. In addition, said Decrees are supplemented by SENASA

Resolution No. 466/2014. These standards are attached hereto.

As a summary, the functions of the National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality are hereby

transcribed:

1. Preventing, diagnosing, controlling and/or eradicating, within its field of authority, animal

diseases and zoonoses, including plant pests and diseases, by implementing and promoting sanitary

actions throughout the country. Establishing the procedures for the control of products, by-products

and derivatives of animal and plant origin within its scope of authority to ensure their safety and

quality.

2. Developing scientific research and proposing programs and technical norms on animal and plant

health and quality, including their products, by-products and derivatives as well as those on active

ingredients, agrochemicals and biologics.

3. Overseeing:

a) Compliance with norms and regulations on hygienic and sanitary issues and food safety in animal

husbandry and slaughter; in products, by-products and derivatives of animal origin; in plants, their

parts, by-products and derivatives.

b) Compliance with the norms on use and marketing of products, active ingredients, drugs, raw

materials, biologic and biotechnological products used in or related to veterinary medicine and

animal husbandry, determining maximum acceptable levels for residues and contaminants.

c) Compliance with technical norms and regulations on production, marketing and use of

agrochemicals, products and drugs, phytotherapeutic products, biologic and biotechnological

products used in or related to plant health and production, determining maximum acceptable levels

for residues and contaminants in plants and their products.

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4. Controlling and certifying:

a) The health and quality of animals and products, by-products and derivatives of animal origin.

b) The health and quality of plants and its parts, products, by-products and derivatives of plant

origin.

c) The quality of products intended for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and/or pests

affecting the health and quality of animals and plants, and their products, by-products and

derivatives.

d) The conditions and quality of chemical and biological inputs used in the production of animals

and plants, their products, by-products and derivatives, their manufacture and processing, as well as

in their conservation, packing, storage and transport.

e) Chemical residues and microbiological contamination in foodstuffs within its sphere of authority.

5. Performing all necessary analytical tests to carry out its activities.

6. Issuing required health and quality certifications for domestic consumption and for exported and

imported products.

7. Defining epidemiological zones and/or borders when necessary to safeguard the health status of

animals and/or plants and to protect public health by implementing all necessary measures.

8. Adopting and implementing applicable technical and administrative measures, including the

slaughter of animals and/or destruction of plants, to safeguard the health status of animals and

plants or to protect public health.

9. Overseeing compliance with the obligations to which individuals or companies must conform as

provided for in the legislation in force within its sphere of authority.

10. Registering, approving, enrolling, closing down, suspending and overseeing operators and

establishments that process and/or manufacture, condition, store, transport and market products

that are within its sphere of authority.

11. Registering, approving, prohibiting and/or restricting the use and/or marketing of agricultural

inputs that are within its sphere of authority.

12. Promoting improvements in environmental management in laboratories, quarantine stations,

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border control posts, experimental farms and other facilities of the Service, emphasizing on waste

management and minimization of the use of water and energy. Collaborating with the competent

environmental authorities.

13. Generating and providing statistical information within the sphere of authority of the Service.

14. Promoting and carrying out research, development and public production of products intended

for diagnosis, prevention, eradication and treatment of animal and/or plant diseases and/or pests.

15. Promoting and facilitating the establishment of Continuous Training Centers for national,

provincial and/or municipal officials, the private sector and related official entities in line with

national policies and/or programs and those of international reference organizations, in order to

provide training and specialization, increase their capabilities and improve the competencies of the

agents of the Service and its associates.

16. Implementing and promoting, within its sphere of authority, applied, documentary, field,

experimental or analytical scientific research with the purpose of optimizing compliance with its

primary responsibilities in the fields of animal health, plant protection, agri-food quality and safety,

and commitment to the environment, to achieve the objectives laid down in Act No. 25467.

VETERINARY STAFF

OFFICE VETERINARIANS

PS* HFL**

PRESIDENCY UNIT 8 7

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR TECHNICAL AND

ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES 1 1

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR AGRI-FOOD SAFETY AND

QUALITY 14 24

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR PLANT PROTECTION 0 0

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH 18 25

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE FOR AGROCHEMICALS, VETERINARY

PRODUCTS AND FEED 8 12

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR LABORATORIES AND

TECHNICAL CONTROL 20 38

REGIONAL CENTER BUENOS AIRES NORTH 63 50

REGIONAL CENTER BUENOS AIRES SOUTH 58 68

REGIONAL CENTER CHACO-FORMOSA 21 33

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REGIONAL CENTER CORDOBA 36 24

REGIONAL CENTER CORRIENTES-MISIONES 25 33

REGIONAL CENTER CUYO 17 5

REGIONAL CENTER ENTRE RIOS 25 25

REGIONAL CENTER LA PAMPA-SAN LUIS 16 26

REGIONAL CENTER METROPOLITAN 103 64

REGIONAL CENTER NOA NORTH 14 11

REGIONAL CENTER NOA SOUTH 14 8

REGIONAL CENTER PATAGONIA NORTH 11 17

REGIONAL CENTER PATAGONIA SOUTH 18 30

REGIONAL CENTER SANTA FE 48 44

TOTAL 538 545

TOTAL 1083

Financial and budgetary information

All information related to SENASA’s finances and budget, both at central and regional levels, is detailed

by financial year in the following link: http://www.senasa.gov.ar/administracion/presupuestos-y-

finanzas

Internal training and updating programs for staff members

Education

The degree in Veterinary Sciences aims to prepare professionals to be in charge of caring after and

studying the life of animals in order to improve the life quality of species and to contribute to human

welfare. The course duration to obtain said degree ranges between 6 and 7 years.

Veterinarians are professionals committed to the preservation and welfare of animals and nature and,

simultaneously, to their healthy coexistence with humans.

They may access the following specializations after obtaining their bachelor degree:

PhD in Veterinary Sciences, Master Degree in Animal Health, Veterinary Clinical Cardiology, Surgery in

Small Animals, Equestrian Medicine, and Laboratory Diagnosis for Veterinary Infectious Diseases,

among other options.

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Veterinarians are prepared to deal with clinical issues affecting large and small animals, and to

diagnose and treat diseases. They can predict animal behavior and are trained to control and to

intervene in conventional and non-conventional animal husbandry. In addition, veterinarians control

food of animal and plant origin in pursuit of environmental hygiene and sanitation, and fight against

zoonoses. They also intervene in the exploitation of natural resources, in animal commercialization and

consumption, and in the possession of domestic animals. Graduated veterinarians perform tasks

related to preventive medicine and public health, especially regarding the prevention and control of

epidemiological diseases that affect both animals and humans. They are in charge of disseminating

preventive campaigns and information, and of promoting vaccine application and prophylaxis.

Some subjects of the Veterinary Medicine course in Argentina include: Comparative Anatomy, Histology

and Embryology, Genetics, Parasitology, General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Animal Science,

Nutrition, Surgery, Swine Husbandry, Obstetrics and Reproduction, Public Health and Epidemiology,

among others. The complete curricula may be consulted on the websites of Argentine universities.

In Argentina, courses are lectured on campus only; no online alternative is available. Application

requirements for such course include the completion of secondary school.

Training

A Training and Development System intended for the staff of the Service is established within the

framework of SENASA Collective Agreement for Sectorial Work (Decree No. 40 of January 25, 2007). The

aim of said system is to update and improve working skills required for the proper functioning of the

Service.

Said Training and Development System is developed after identifying training requirements in all

different SENASA areas and by taking into account all training suggestions made by each of them.

The aim is to describe, promote, ensure and provide training courses planned and designed following

quality criteria and intended to continuously improve the following:

• The performance of the Organizational Units;

• Staff performance in achieving their management objectives;

• The provision of goods and services to citizens.

The annual training program offers cross-disciplinary and specific training courses on food safety,

public health and standard requirements for the processing and hygiene, safety and quality

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certification of raw materials, products, by-products and derivatives of animal and plant origin.

Other training courses are also offered for the prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases

with the purpose of planning, scheduling, coordinating and controlling the management of plans and

programs intended for animal identification, traceability and welfare.

Penalties

Chapter V of SENASA’s Act No. 27 233 sets forth the sanctions to be imposed on those who violate the

provisions of the act declaring the animal health heritage as a public commodity, and lays down the

responsibilities of the various sectors for its care:

SECTION 14 — Violations to the standards applied by the National Service for Agri-Food Health and

Quality shall be punished with the following penalties, which replace those provided for in the

pertinent legislation:

a) Public or private warning.

b) Fine of up to ten million Argentine pesos (AR$ 10,000,000).

c) Suspension of up to one (1) year or cancellation of registration from the pertinent registries.

d) Temporary or final closure of the holding.

e) Seizure of products, by-products and/or elements associated to the committed offense.

The listed penalties shall be applied separately or jointly based on the severity of the offense, the

damage caused, and the background of the offender, regardless of the preventive measures

established by this Service and pursuant to the applicable legislation. When pre-emptive suspension of

a holding is ordered, it shall not exceed ninety (90) working days, unless duly grounded motives prove

the extension of said period.

For the purposes of implementing health, control, verification and supervision measures, both

preventive and arising from procedures for violation of the applicable standards, the staff in charge

may seek the aid of law enforcement authorities and request search warrants from competent judges in

order to ensure an adequate compliance with their duties.

SECTION 15 — The amount of fines can be annually adjusted pursuant to the live kilogram value of the

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heifer category at Liniers market, or whichever value replaces it, taking the highest value of the month

of March of each year as reference, which shall be applied as from the month of September of that

same year. The index of retail price evolution at general level, provided by the national statistics body,

shall be applied to fines imposed and not paid on due time between the date when the fine should

have been paid and the date when said payment was made.

SECTION 16 — Penalties shall be applied by the President of the National Service for Agri-Food Health

and Quality, or by the officer to whom this power is conferred, prior to the procedure ensuring the

right of the accused to a defense, pursuant to the Act on Administrative Procedures (act 19 549).

Legal action to apply penalties shall prescribe after five (5) years, as from the date the offense was

committed.

The statute of limitation for the penalties applied shall be of three (3) years, as from the date when the

ruling imposing said penalties becomes final.

SECTION 17 —The statutes of limitation established in the previous section shall be interrupted when a

new offense is committed, and due to any administrative or legal act that may initiate a procedure

regarding the application of a penalty or the collection of the payment arising from said cause.