France imposes temporary ban on cattle exports as lumpy skin disease spreads
The government halts livestock movement and public events to contain the virus.
FRANCE – France has introduced a nationwide ban on cattle exports and public livestock events, including bullfighting, in an effort to contain the spread of lumpy skin disease, Reuters reported, citing the agriculture ministry.
The restrictions, which took effect on October 18, are scheduled to remain in place until November 4, with authorities saying they could be lifted the following day if the health situation improves.
Lumpy skin disease is a viral infection transmitted by biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes, affecting cattle and buffalo. It causes nodules and blisters on the animals’ skin and leads to a drop in milk production, but it poses no danger to humans.
Although not a threat to public health, the disease often results in major economic losses due to export bans and culling measures imposed to prevent further spread.
Outbreaks Resurface Across Regions
After a period of decline during the summer, new cases of lumpy skin disease have been rising in France since early October, spreading from the Alps region to the Jura and Ain departments in the east of the country.
Officials confirmed three new outbreaks near the Spanish border this week, prompting concern among farmers and veterinary authorities.
According to the agriculture ministry, the sudden appearance of several isolated infections, including one in Ain, three in Jura, and three in Occitanie, is alarming and may be linked to unauthorized animal movements.
During a visit to the Jura region, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said that the situation poses a serious threat to the livestock industry and called for collective vigilance.
“We are at a critical point and must continue to protect our national cattle herd,” Genevard said, emphasizing that the coming weeks will be crucial in preventing further spread.
Tracing the Source
The virus, which has long been present in parts of Africa and the Middle East, only reached Western Europe last year. The first confirmed outbreak was reported in June on Italy’s Sardinia island, followed by cases in France.
Spain recorded its first case last week, adding to growing regional concerns about cross-border transmission.
This week, French authorities detected infections in three communes in the Pyrenees-Orientales region—La Bastide, Oms, and Valmanya—about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Spain.
In response, the government launched a mandatory vaccination campaign in the affected areas to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“We suspect there may be a link with Spain, but investigations are ongoing,” Genevard added.
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