Question 11910 — breeding

Summary

Lumpy skin disease (LCD) is a viral disease of cattle, classified in category A by the European Union (EU) (EU regulation 2016/429). This involves the application of strict and mandatory health measures, including the total slaughter of infected herds, in order to avoid uncontrolled spread of the virus in the territory. Transmitted by insect vectors (horseflies and biting flies), DNC causes losses major economic problems for breeders whose herds are affected by the disease, but also for breeders in restricted zones (ZR) around outbreaks which are subject to restrictions. Although not transmissible to humans, the eradication of DNC is an absolute priority to preserve animal health and the French beef industry. Since its emergence in France in June 2025, the State has implemented a strategy to eradicate the DNC aligned with European standards. The French strategy validated by the national steering committee for animal and plant health policy from July 16, 2025 combines: - depopulation of infected epidemiological units; - massive and compulsory vaccination in regulated areas; - biosecurity, with restrictions on the movement of animals in restricted areas. It is important to clarify that the three EU countries affected since the summer of 2025 apply the same strategy based on these three pillars. It has borne fruit in France, since no new outbreaks have been detected since January 2, 2026. The strategy of total culling of infected herds is not an arbitrary decision, but an obligation imposed by European law (EU regulation 2023/361). This measure is also based on: - the recommendations of the European authority of food safety, which emphasizes that total slaughter is the most effective method to quickly eliminate sources of viruses and avoid uncontrolled spread; - feedback from DNC epizootics in the Balkans (2015-2017), where this approach, combined with massive vaccination, made it possible to eradicate the disease; -the fact that once infected, animals remain contagious, even asymptomatic, and can transmit the virus via vectors for several weeks. - the absence of treatment for the virus. LSD is primarily spread by insect vectors, making its control complex. Disinsection is a mandatory treatment for buildings and vehicles in ZRs. It can also be applied to cattle but is relatively effective, and is therefore not recommended for species not sensitive to the DNC. Targeted measures (serological tests, selective euthanasia) are not sufficient to control an epizootic of DNC, as the experiences in Greece and Bulgaria have demonstrated. Total culling is therefore essential to extinguish outbreaks and protect neighboring farms. For the DNC, vaccination nevertheless remains a key additional tool to prevent low-noise circulation of the virus. The vaccination strategy deployed concerns all cattle located in regulated zones and in vaccination zones. Compulsory vaccination is fully covered by the State. The objective of this rapid and massive vaccination campaign - in addition to the measures of total depopulation of infected households and biosecurity with restrictions on movement - is the complete eradication of this disease. This approach complies with European standards and opinions scientists, who advocate an integrated strategy In the event of depopulation on the orders of the State, the procedure provides for an expertise to assess the total amount of health compensation, calculated according to the damage linked to each slaughtered animal. Aware of the economic and human significance of these measures, the State has established an exceptional compensation system providing, on the one hand, for the granting of a cash deposit paid into the days following slaughter, without waiting for the outcome of the expert assessments, and, on the other hand, the extension of the compensation period in order to cover the temporary production deficit until the farm is repopulated. At the same time, psychological support is provided through the chambers of agriculture and the agricultural social mutuality, in order to support breeders facing the loss of their livestock. All of these The provisions aim to mitigate the financial repercussions of the crisis and to promote rapid and sustainable reconstitution of livestock once the area has been cleaned up. Concerning a possible reclassification of the disease, this could only be initiated at the initiative of the European Commission or several Member States. Like the discussions underway for several months concerning bluetongue, such a process appears to be long and could therefore in no way meet current demands.

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