Veterinarians Strengthen Agricultural Defense in Regions of Great Importance to Agribusiness
On Veterinary Doctor's Day, celebrated on September 9th, discover stories of professionals in one of the fields of this profession: agricultural defense
At Adepará, 172 professionals work in promoting One Health, a concept that integrates animal health, human health, and environmental preservation. These professionals play a fundamental role in protecting Pará's livestock and ensuring safe and quality food for the population.
Dedication in the Field: The Story of Karinny Campos
In the Carajás region, where besides mining, dairy and beef cattle drive the economy, the work of agricultural defense is conducted by veterinarians who love what they do.
Agricultural inspector Karinny Campos is responsible for the health of about 370,000 cattle in the municipality of Eldorado do Carajás, in the Marabá Regional. A native of Xinguara, she joined the Agency in 2009 at the age of 21 after graduating in Veterinary Medicine from UFPA.
“I come from a region with large rural properties, and veterinary medicine emerged as a profession with good job opportunities. I found in agricultural defense the chance to work in various areas: clinical, disease prevention, sanitary education, and technical guidance. I discovered an essential profession for society, which not only cares for animals but also protects against diseases, ensures safe food, and strengthens the economy through agribusiness,” she states.
Passionate about what she does, Karinny emphasizes: “I am proud to have chosen Veterinary Medicine and to have found in it something I could work at with love, as if every day were the first.”
From Marajó to Strategic Management: The Journey of Samyra Albuquerque
At the headquarters of Adepará in Belém, veterinarians coordinate sanitary programs, define strategies, and manage actions that protect the state's herds.
This is the case of Samyra Albuquerque, epidemiology manager. Working at the Agency since 2008, Samyra has gone through various regions and built a solid career. “I worked in Marajó, Breves, Afuá, and Aurora do Pará, experiencing firsthand the challenges of agricultural defense. These experiences taught me the value of dedication and closeness to producers. Today, in epidemiology, I coordinate actions aimed at anticipating and preventing sanitary crises.”
She emphasizes the importance of preparation: “Training the technical staff is essential. Epidemiology allows us to monitor, plan, and respond quickly to emergencies. Our goal is to protect the state's livestock heritage, ensuring production safety and public health.”
Evolution and Recognition: Sumaya Paulino
Veterinarian Sumaya Paulino has been part of Adepará since 2004. Recently graduated, she left the private sector to pursue her vocation in agricultural defense and inspection.
“I started in Tailândia and soon worked in inspection, an area I have been in for almost 20 years. I witnessed the evolution of the Agency, from the days when we did manual records to today’s modern structure. This growth has strengthened the image of agricultural inspectors in society, which recognizes our work as essential for collective well-being,” she highlights.
For Sumaya, the greatest legacy is the respect gained: “Today we are viewed positively because the population understands that our work ensures safe food and protects against diseases. This is a source of pride.”
New Horizons: Traceability with John Robert Almeida
The advancement of cattle and buffalo traceability has opened new avenues for veterinarians in Pará. Young professional John Robert Almeida began his journey in the Marajó archipelago and is now part of the team responsible for the individual identification of animals.
“My initial dream was to care for dogs and cats, but when I discovered agricultural defense, I realized the greatness of this profession. Adepará provided me with practical experiences in different regions and contact with colleagues who dedicate themselves daily to animal health. It is gratifying to know that our work contributes to ensuring quality food reaches families' tables,” he reports.
A Commitment That Goes Beyond Animals
For five years, Adepará has been managed by agricultural inspector veterinarian Jamir Macedo, a career civil servant who deeply understands the challenges and achievements of agricultural defense.
A management that values the work done by a team of professionals present in all municipalities and sustains Pará's position as the second largest cattle herd in Brazil, with over 26 million heads, and the largest buffalo herd in the country, with 782,000 animals.
The veterinarians at Adepará have a significant presence at all stages of the production chain: from vaccination and constant monitoring in the field to food inspection. They oversee the production of meat, milk, fish, and honey, ensuring that safe and quality food reaches the population's table.
“These professionals carry the responsibility of protecting one of the state's greatest assets, preserving public health, ensuring food quality, and boosting agribusiness. A daily commitment that strengthens not only the productive sector but also society's trust in the food that reaches its table,” emphasizes Jamir Macedo, General Director of Adepará.
