France Shuts Down Cattle Exports in Urgent Response to Disease Outbreak – A Blow to Billion-Euro Trade
PARIS, FRANCE – In a dramatic move that’s sent ripples through the European agricultural sector, France has immediately halted all exports of live cattle, a cornerstone of its €2.8 billion livestock trade. The decision, announced today by Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, comes as the country battles a growing outbreak of lumpy skin disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle. This breaking news impacts farmers, international trade, and food security, and archyde.com is bringing you the latest updates.
Lumpy Skin Disease Spreads, Triggering Export Ban
According to the Livestock Institute, France exported nearly 1.3 million young cattle in 2024, largely destined for fattening in Spain and Italy, with some eventually returning to France for slaughter. However, cases of lumpy skin disease have recently been confirmed in both of those countries, raising fears of wider transmission. Italy reported cases just days before the disease surfaced in France in June, and Spain has seen more recent outbreaks. The swift action by the French government – a complete cessation of exports for at least 15 days – is a bid to contain the spread and prevent further economic damage.
Government Response: Vaccination, Restrictions, and Controversy
Minister Genevard has convened a “Health Parliament” bringing together breeders, veterinarians, and authorities to strengthen controls and restrict animal movement in affected zones. A key component of the strategy is vaccination, which will be “imposed” on those who refuse it, with illegal movements facing fines or loss of slaughter compensation. Agricultural festivals and livestock markets in affected regions have also been prohibited. The government has ordered 800,000 vaccine doses, costing €1.12 million, for a national herd of 15.7 million cattle.
However, the government’s approach hasn’t been without criticism. The FNSEA, France’s largest agricultural union, expressed “surprise” at the total export suspension, arguing it was implemented “without consultation.” They had been advocating for a more targeted approach, allowing exports of vaccinated cattle from regulated zones. “We call on the minister to reconsider this measure,” stated Patrick Bénézit, president of the National Bovine Federation.
Farmers Accusations and the Search for the Source
The government believes the outbreaks “probably result” from “illicit” movements of cattle, a claim that has angered smaller agricultural unions like the Peasant Confederation and Rural Coordination. They argue that blaming farmers is “unbearable,” especially those facing challenges with livestock at higher altitudes. This highlights a long-standing tension between centralized agricultural policy and the realities faced by individual farmers.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Headlines
Lumpy skin disease isn’t directly harmful to humans, but it can cause significant economic losses for farmers due to reduced milk production, weight loss, and potential trade restrictions. The disease is transmitted by insects like biting flies and mosquitoes, making it particularly challenging to control. France’s decision to halt exports is also a preemptive move ahead of a crucial meeting in Brussels next Tuesday, where the European Commission could impose even stricter restrictions on French livestock exports – a potentially devastating outcome for the sector. This situation underscores the interconnectedness of the European agricultural market and the importance of rapid, coordinated responses to animal disease outbreaks.
The Minister emphasized the need to act decisively, stating, “We are obliged (to make this decision), because the European Commission is watching us very carefully.” She added that exports could resume if the situation improves within 15 days, noting that Spain and Italy are eager to receive vaccinated French cattle. The Rural Coordination and the Peasant Confederation are now calling for a nationwide vaccination program to protect the entire French livestock population.
As the situation unfolds, archyde.com will continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage, expert analysis, and insights into the evolving impact of this urgent agricultural crisis. Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing the French farming community and the broader European livestock trade. For more Google News-worthy updates and SEO-optimized agricultural insights, explore the latest articles on archyde.com.
