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Government Responds With Blockade, Emergency Vaccination, and Surveillance at Borders After Disease Advances in the Southwest of the Country
France is facing its worst health scenario in years. The Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, declared a “critical moment” for the sector.
The government suspended all cattle exports for 15 days. Meanwhile, it is intensifying mandatory vaccination and surveillance at agricultural borders.
The outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis is spreading rapidly. It causes severe economic and trade impacts, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture of France, published in October 2025.
Health Scenario and Containment Measures
New outbreaks have emerged in the southwest of France, just 30 km from the border with Spain. The alert has been raised to the maximum level.
Thus, the French government has mandated emergency vaccination and temporary export bans. It has also implemented enhanced surveillance in rural areas.
Minister Genevard stated to the press in Paris that “the future of the French cattle herd is at stake.” Therefore, containing the disease will be a long-term challenge.
Understanding Contagious Nodular Dermatitis
The disease is viral and transmitted by sucking insects.
Although it poses no direct risk to human health, it causes blisters on the skin, decreases milk production, and leads to significant financial losses. Additionally, trade restrictions imposed by importing countries are expected to increase.
If reports rise, the economic cost will be high. Thus, the competitiveness of French livestock is at risk.
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Cross-Border Connection With Spain
Health authorities suspicion a connection between French and Spanish cases. New outbreaks have arisen simultaneously in border regions.
Thus, Minister Genevard stated that “we can imagine there is a link with Spain, but we are still investigating.”
The first continental outbreak of the disease was recorded in June 2025, in Sardinia (Italy). Afterwards, France confirmed the advance on the continent. New outbreaks were reported in La Bastide, Oms, and Valmanya.
Double Threat: Dermatitis and Blue Tongue
While combating nodular dermatitis, France is also facing outbreaks of blue tongue. The virus affects cattle and sheep.
It has already spread to several European countries this year. Italy and Spain have also confirmed cases. This has heightened the health alert across Western Europe.
Thus, the simultaneous circulation of these diseases puts European livestock under unprecedented pressure.
Timeline of the Disease
- 2015 — Arrival of dermatitis in the southeast of Europe.
- 2019 — Expansion to Asia.
- 2024/2025 — Advance into Western Europe for the first time.
- June 2025 — First outbreak in Sardinia (Italy).
- October 2025 — Confirmed cases in France and Spain. The French government suspends exports and begins mandatory vaccination.
Economic Impacts and Predictions
Although the disease does not compromise human health, the financial loss is considered irreversible for some producers. Export interruptions, sanitary blockades, and culling of animals cause significant losses in the dairy sector.
The sector is one of the strongest in Europe. Therefore, authorities recognize that full control of the disease will require time and international cooperation.
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