Archive · 17 Dec 2025
France Controls Lumpy Skin Disease Amid Farmer Protests
France is dealing with a disease called lumpy skin disease that affects cows and buffaloes.
The disease causes bumps and makes cows produce less milk, but it doesn't harm humans.
The French government says the disease is now under control, but farmers are protesting because they think the government's solution is too harsh.
The government requires that all cows in an affected area be put down to stop the disease from spreading.
Farmers are upset because they think this is cruel and unnecessary.
The government is also vaccinating cows to prevent the disease.
Farmers are blocking roads and dumping manure to show their anger.
The government says if the disease is not controlled, it could harm a lot of cows.
France declares lumpy skin disease under control with no new cases reported.
Farmers protest government's policy of culling entire herds during outbreaks.
113 outbreaks detected in 2023, leading to the slaughter of 3,300 cattle.
Government launches vaccination campaign for 2 million cattle in affected regions.
Farmers block highways and dump manure to protest the government's handling of the virus.
- Who
- French government and farmers
- What
- Lumpy skin disease outbreak and farmer protests
- When
- December 2023
- Where
- France, primarily southwestern regions
- Why
- To control the disease spread and address farmer concerns
- Disease
- Lumpy skin disease
- Affected Animals
- Cattle and buffalo
- Human Harm
- None
- Outbreaks in France (2023)
- 113
- Cattle Slaughtered (2023)
- 3,300
- Total French Herd
- 33 million
- Potential Herd Loss
- 1.5 million (10%)
- Vaccination Campaign
- 2 million cattle