The French government has decreed a 15-day suspension of live cattle exports, effective until November 4, to contain the spread of lumpy skin disease, a disease that seriously affects cattle.
This was reported by EFE News Agency. The measure includes severe restrictions on animal movements, strengthened health controls, and financial penalties for those who fail to comply with the regulations. Within the framework of these measures, the movement of animals from affected areas to disease-free areas is prohibited, while movements within regulated areas will only be permitted under strict conditions and with prior notification to veterinary services.
Cattle gatherings for festive or commercial purposes, as well as the participation of cattle in fairs and exhibitions, are also suspended.
France has currently identified 86 active outbreaks spread across 54 farms in five departments: Pyrénées-Orientales, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Ain, Rhône, and Jura. The control strategy includes the preventive culling of animals on farms with confirmed cases and systematic vaccination within a 50-kilometer radius of the detected outbreaks.
The French Ministry of Agriculture will review the situation on November 4th, with the aim of evaluating the possible resumption of international cattle trade if health conditions permit.
