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51 Contagious Nodular Dermatitis Outbreaks Confirmed in the Alps as Vaccination and Culling Intensify

A 310,000-head ring vaccination campaign is underway under strict EU eradication rules after the Council of State dismissed a farmers’ appeal.

Overview

  • The insect-transmitted virus causes nodules and ulcers in cattle, triggers around 10 percent mortality and poses no risk to human health.
  • As of July 31, health officials have identified 51 outbreaks across 31 farms in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments.
  • Compulsory whole-herd culling has depopulated 49 infected farms and led to the euthanasia of roughly 1,000 bovines, with the remaining two sites currently being emptied.
  • A state-funded ring vaccination that began on July 18 targets 310,000 cattle within a 50-kilometre radius, and about one-third of eligible animals have received a single-dose vaccine.
  • The Agriculture Ministry has mobilized state indemnities covering full animal values, genetic stock losses and productivity shortfalls under EU Category A eradication mandates.