Lumpy Skin Disease Forces Cancellation of Cattle Competition at Paris Agricultural Show – Breaking News
Paris, France – In a significant disruption to a beloved tradition, cattle will not be featured at this year’s Salon de l’Agriculture in Paris, a cornerstone event for French farmers and a major draw for the public. The decision, announced today, is a direct response to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle. This is breaking news impacting the agricultural community and prompting concerns about biosecurity measures.
A Heartbreak for Breeders Like Sophie Antignac
For breeders like Sophie Antignac of Cantal, this cancellation is particularly poignant. Antignac’s six-year-old Salers cow, Sarah – the 2025 champion – was a strong contender for this year’s title. “She has a very good pelvis, very good posture… When she walks, she is elegant, she is very expressive,” Antignac shared with France 3 Auvergne, her voice filled with affection. “I love Sarah.” The Agricultural Show isn’t just about accolades; it’s a vital marketplace. Antignac explained that the show provides a crucial platform to promote their Salers breed internationally, leading to higher sale prices for their livestock.
Lumpy Skin Disease: A Growing Global Threat
Lumpy skin disease isn’t new, but its recent spread is raising alarms. First reported in Africa, LSD has been rapidly expanding across Asia, the Middle East, and, more recently, into Europe. The disease causes fever, skin nodules, and can lead to significant economic losses for farmers due to reduced milk production, weight loss, and even death in cattle. While not directly transmissible to humans, LSD poses a serious threat to livestock industries worldwide. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is actively monitoring the situation and providing guidance to member countries.
Generational Tradition Interrupted
The Lacombe family, breeders for three generations, have attended the Agricultural Show without fail since 1992. Thierry Lacombe emphasized the difficult decision to abstain this year. “We can’t afford to take risks even if, perhaps, up there there wouldn’t have been any problems. But we can’t afford to go looking for illness. Let’s stay calm.” The family recognizes the importance of prioritizing biosecurity, even at the cost of missing a cherished event. This decision underscores the difficult choices farmers face when balancing tradition with the need to protect their livelihoods and the health of their animals.
The Future of Livestock Shows and Biosecurity
The cancellation of the cattle competition at the Paris Agricultural Show highlights the increasing vulnerability of large livestock gatherings to disease outbreaks. Experts predict that enhanced biosecurity measures – including stricter health checks, movement restrictions, and vaccination programs – will become increasingly common at agricultural events. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global livestock trade and the importance of proactive disease prevention strategies. For breeders, adapting to these new realities will be crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of their businesses. The show will go on, but the absence of these magnificent animals will be keenly felt.
The Paris Agricultural Show, scheduled from February 21 to March 1, 2026, will still showcase the diversity of French agriculture, but the focus will shift to other sectors. This event remains a vital platform for connecting producers, consumers, and policymakers, and for celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of France. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest updates on lumpy skin disease and its impact on the global agricultural landscape. For more information on lumpy skin disease, visit the World Organisation for Animal Health website.
