Lumpy skin disease sweeps through France, bans in place
To contain the highly contagious lumpy skin disease, France has banned cattle exports as well as bullfighting. With the increase of lumpy skin disease across the country, important measures are in place until 4 November.
The measures in place to stop the spread of lumpy skin disease has been effective since Saturday 18 October and will be lifted on 15 November if the health situation permits, says the French Ministry of Agriculture.
Outbreaks and measures in France
The Ministry of Agriculture has added that the very recent appearance of several isolated outbreaks of lumpy skin disease – 1 outbreak in Ain, 3 outbreaks in Jura, and 3 outbreaks in Occitanie – is of concern and is most likely the result of animal movements, some of which are illegal.
According to the French government, Annie Genevard, minister of Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Sovereignty, urgently convened the National Steering Committee for Animal and Plant Health Policy (CNOPSAV) and took the following measures, announced on Friday 17 October:
- Ban on all festive gatherings – competitions, fairs, exhibitions involving cattle – throughout mainland France.
- Ban on markets for cattle intended for breeding; in all regions comprising regulated zones – Auvergne, Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Occitanie.
- A ban on any exports of cattle from mainland France to prevent the spread of the lumpy skin disease outside France.
Penalties
France has also stated that there are severe penalties for those not adhering to measures, which will see a fine for non-compliance with movement restriction measures; increased penalties for repeat offenses; and no compensation from the State for depopulation if infections result from prohibited behaviour.
Genevard further said: “I have decided to implement these reinforced measures because the failure to comply with the rules relating to the movement of cattle is the source of the spread of the disease in France. These measures are necessary to preserve French cattle farming and reassure our European and commercial partners. We must not let up; I call on everyone to be responsible in applying the measures. I will ensure that the French market is protected from any speculative risk.”
Following outbreaks during the summer months, France reported its first case of lumpy skin disease on 29 June 2025. The outbreak occurred in a dairy cattle establishment in the commune of Chambéry, after several animals showed clinical signs, including nodules, fever, swelling, and a drop in milk production.
Lumpy skin disease in Europe
Also, earlier this month in Europe, Spain reported its first case of lumpy skin disease and Italy has also been impacted by the disease. These were the region’s first-ever occurrences of the disease in these countries. The WOAH said that this highlights the urgent need for heightened surveillance and coordinated response.
Lumpy skin disease can occur in cattle, water buffalo, and bison. Initial symptoms include fever, poor appetite, drooling and reduced milk production leading to trade restrictions and movements and major economic losses.
