France to vaccinate cattle for lumpy skin disease as farmers protest against cull

By Mathieu Rosemain and Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS, Dec 13 (Reuters) – France will vaccinate 1 million head of cattle in the coming weeks against lumpy skin disease, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said ‍on Saturday, as protesting farmers blocked roads in opposition to the government’s large-scale culling policy.

The announcement comes after several outbreaks of the highly contagious disease prompted authorities to order the culling of entire herds, sparking demonstrations by farmers who consider the measure excessive.

Lumpy skin disease is a virus spread by insects that affects ‌cattle and buffalo, causing blisters and reducing milk production. ‌While not harmful to humans, it often results in trade restrictions and severe economic losses.

“We will vaccinate nearly one million an