France reports new outbreak of bovine lumpy skin disease, raising concerns

Monday 08 September 2025 - 09:45

By: Sahili Aya

France reports new outbreak of bovine lumpy skin disease, raising concerns

French authorities confirmed on Saturday a new outbreak of bovine lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the Ain region, involving five unvaccinated animals. The detection comes after two weeks without new cases, reviving concerns about the persistence of the virus.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this outbreak adds to the 77 cases previously identified by the end of August across 45 farms, mostly in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The disease, which is viral and highly contagious, has already led to the culling of more than 1,700 cattle.

Vaccination efforts have covered more than 220,000 cattle, representing over 90% of the animals in the restricted zone where livestock movement is strictly controlled. Despite this progress, authorities admit that “the goal of eradication has not yet been achieved.”

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard stressed that the strategy remains based on mass vaccination, strict movement restrictions, and the complete culling of infected herds — a measure contested by several farmers’ unions. “This new outbreak after 15 days of stability shows both that our strategy is working and that the battle is not yet over,” the minister said.

The ministry also announced limited exemptions for the seasonal descent of cattle from mountain pastures within the regulated area, under strict veterinary conditions.