Mass Vaccination of 20,000 Cattle and Heightened Surveillance in 63 Jura Municipalities

news: Contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC) is spreading in France, prompting expanded surveillance and mandatory vaccination of cattle in the Jura region.">
September 8, 2025

Contagious Cattle Disease Prompts Surveillance Expansion in France

The regulated area for cattle surveillance has been considerably expanded in the Jura department of france, effective Monday, September 8, 2025, due to a second confirmed case of contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC). The expansion now encompasses 63 additional municipalities, building upon the nine already under observation since August 25.

disease Spread and Regional Response

Prefectural authorities announced the extension of the regulated area to include Jura and Haute-savoie, following the identification of a second DNC outbreak in Ain. officials established a 50-kilometer radius around the new infection site, triggering the expansion. The initial outbreak involved five heifers discovered near injoux-Génissiat in Ain, and investigations revealed that not all animals within the herd had been vaccinated.

Map illustrating the expanded surveillance area for Contagious Nodular Dermatosis in France.

Regulations for Affected Areas

Communes within the regulated zone are now subject to strict protocols, mirroring those already in place for the initial nine municipalities. These measures include a ban on cattle movement,except in strictly controlled circumstances,and the implementation of mandatory vaccination for all cattle,fully funded by the state.State services are collaborating closely with health defense groups, agricultural chambers, and departmental authorities to manage the situation.

Regulation	Details
Cattle Movement	Prohibited except with specific, approved derogations.
Vaccination	Mandatory for all cattle; state-funded.
Summer Descent	Allowed only within the regulated area and under strict supervision.

Veterinary teams are preparing to vaccinate an additional 20,000 cattle across the 63 newly designated municipalities in the coming weeks.

Veterinarians vaccinate cattle in the Jura regulated area to protect against Contagious Nodular Dermatosis. © HUGUES PERRET – France TV

“We will organize so that this vaccination takes as little time as possible, so that it is done as quickly as possible since it takes three weeks for the vaccination barrier to be effective,” stated Anne-Cécile Cotillon, departmental director in charge of the protection of populations.

Understanding Contagious Nodular Dermatosis

Contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC) is a viral disease affecting cattle, buffaloes, and zebus, but it poses no risk to human health. The disease does not impact the quality of milk, cheeses, or other dairy products. Transmission occurs through insect bites, and animals can be asymptomatic carriers, complicating eradication efforts. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, the disease is prevalent in sub-saharan Africa and Asia and has been spreading in Europe, including the Balkans, Greece, and Bulgaria, where accomplished eradication campaigns have been implemented through widespread vaccination.

Did You Know? DNC was first detected in Sardinia on June 20, 2025, and subsequently in France on June 29, 2025.

Long-Term Implications

The spread of DNC highlights the importance of proactive animal health monitoring and vaccination programs.The economic impact of DNC can be substantial, affecting livestock production and international trade. enhanced biosecurity measures,including vector control and strict movement regulations,are crucial to prevent further outbreaks and protect the livestock industry.

Pro Tip: Farmers should consult with their veterinarians to ensure their herds are appropriately vaccinated and to implement effective biosecurity protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contagious Nodular Dermatosis

• What is Contagious Nodular Dermatosis? It’s a viral disease affecting cattle, causing skin nodules and possibly leading to complications.
• Is Contagious Nodular Dermatosis a threat to humans? No, this disease does not affect humans and poses no public health risk.
• How is Contagious Nodular Dermatosis spread? the disease is primarily spread through insect bites, specifically biting flies.
• What are the symptoms of Contagious Nodular Dermatosis in cattle? symptoms include skin nodules,fever,and loss of appetite.
• Is vaccination effective against Contagious Nodular Dermatosis? Yes, vaccination is a highly effective preventative measure and is being implemented in affected areas.
• What is being done to control the outbreak in France? Authorities have expanded surveillance areas and initiated mandatory vaccination programs for cattle.

What steps do you think are most important for preventing the further spread of this disease? How can farmers best protect their herds?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific biosecurity measures,informed by the 2001 UK Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak,are being implemented alongside the current vaccination program?

Urgent Response to Disease Threat: A regional effort

A large-scale vaccination campaign targeting 20,000 cattle across 63 municipalities in the Jura region is currently underway. This proactive measure, initiated on September 8th, 2025, aims to prevent the spread of a currently undisclosed, but highly contagious, disease impacting livestock. The initiative is a collaborative effort between regional veterinary services,local farmers,and the Jura Department of Agriculture. The focus is on rapid immunization and intensive monitoring to safeguard both animal health and the regional economy. Understanding the difference between buffalo, cattle, and cow is crucial in these situations, as vaccination strategies can vary.

Scope of the Vaccination Program

The program prioritizes areas with high cattle density and known risk factors. The 63 municipalities involved represent a meaningful portion of the Jura’s agricultural land.

Target Animals: Primarily beef and dairy cattle, with a secondary focus on breeding stock.

Vaccine Type: Details regarding the specific vaccine are being withheld to prevent potential misuse or black market activity,but authorities confirm it is a proven and effective solution against the identified threat.

Administration: Licensed veterinarians and trained technicians are administering the vaccine, ensuring proper dosage and minimizing stress to the animals.

Timeline: The vaccination is expected to be completed within a two-week timeframe, with daily progress reports being issued.

Heightened Surveillance measures

Alongside the vaccination drive, a comprehensive surveillance system has been activated. This includes:

1. Increased Farm Inspections: Veterinary teams are conducting more frequent and thorough inspections of cattle farms to identify any early signs of the disease.
2. Movement Restrictions: Temporary restrictions on the movement of cattle between municipalities have been implemented to limit potential spread. Permits are required for any animal transport.
3. Diagnostic Testing: Rapid diagnostic testing is available to farmers, allowing for speedy identification and isolation of suspected cases.
4. Reporting Protocol: A streamlined reporting protocol has been established, encouraging farmers to immediately report any unusual symptoms observed in thier livestock.
5. Geospatial Mapping: Utilizing GIS technology to map reported cases and vaccination coverage, allowing for targeted interventions.

Potential Economic Impact & Mitigation

The jura region relies heavily on its agricultural sector, particularly cattle farming. A widespread outbreak could have devastating economic consequences.

Milk Production: Disruption to dairy farms could lead to significant losses in milk production, impacting local and national supply chains.

Beef Industry: The beef industry would also be severely affected, with potential export restrictions and price fluctuations.

Tourism: The region’s rural tourism sector, which often features farm visits and agricultural experiences, could suffer.

The vaccination program and surveillance measures are designed to minimize these risks. Financial assistance and support programs are being considered for farmers affected by the restrictions.

Understanding the Threat: Disease Symptoms to Watch For

While the specific disease remains undisclosed, farmers are urged to be vigilant and report any of the following symptoms in their cattle:

sudden fever

Loss of appetite

Lethargy and weakness

Discharge from the eyes or nose

Skin lesions or blisters

Difficulty breathing

Abnormal gait or neurological signs

Early detection is critical for effective containment.

Long-Term Implications & Future Preparedness

This event highlights the importance of proactive disease prevention and robust surveillance systems in the agricultural sector.

Investment in Research: Increased investment in veterinary research is needed to develop new vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Biosecurity Measures: Strengthening biosecurity measures on farms is essential to prevent future outbreaks. This includes strict hygiene protocols,controlled access,and regular disinfection.

Regional Collaboration: Enhanced collaboration between regional and national authorities is crucial for coordinated response efforts.

Farmer Education: Ongoing education and training for farmers on disease prevention and early detection are vital.

Case Study: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak (2001, UK)

The 2001 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the United Kingdom serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of uncontrolled livestock diseases. the outbreak led to the culling of over 6 million sheep and cattle, causing widespread economic disruption and social unrest. The response involved mass vaccination, movement restrictions, and stringent biosecurity measures. the Jura region’s current proactive approach is directly informed by lessons learned from the 2001 FMD crisis,