The Graduate Program in Animal Health was the first course at the Master’s level of the Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco – UFAPE – (formerly Academic Unit of Garanhuns – Federal Rural University of Pernambuco – UFRPE). Accredited by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) on June 24^th, 2009, it started the activities in March 2010, and since then has been responsible for the formation of qualified human resources, contributing to the scientific and professional development of veterinarians, which positively affects economic and social aspects of the Southern Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco.

The program has undergone some changes over the last 14 years. In 2010, it was named the Graduate Program in Health and Reproduction of Ruminants (PPGSRR). In 2019, after an extensive reformulation of faculty members, name, concentration area, and research line, it was named the Graduate Program in Health and Reproduction of Livestock Animals (PPGSRAP).

On January 1st 2019, with the official separation of UFAPE from UFRPE, the program was reformulated, and on July 7^th, 2024, a document was elaborated and sent to the CAPES to alter the name of the program in order to meet the new teaching staff and the new needs of UFAPE. After approval on October 22^nd 2024, the program was named Graduate Program in Animal Health, with one concentration area (Animal Health) and one research line (Health and Sustainability).

The program’s mission is to train professionals to work in teaching, research, and extension in areas related to Animal Health, promoting regional and national development. The aim is to become an excellent Program with high-standard teaching, research, and extension activities, providing regional development, establishing partnerships, and expanding its visibility.

Since its accreditation, the program has formed more than 100 masters, contributing to the establishment of graduated professionals in the various regions of the state of Pernambuco and other states in Brazil, strengthening the areas of research, teaching and extension of several Educational and Research Institutions in the country.