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France to Vaccinate 1 Million Cattle After Forced Cull Triggers Farmer Protests

The move follows clashes at an Ariège farm where police cleared a blockade to allow a cull.

Emilie Sidiqian, CEO of Salesforce France, attends the Adopt AI International Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, November 26, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
Farmers had set up a roadblock outside the farm on December 11 which the police used tear gas to clear
Farmers of the CR47 union stand by a bonfire during a proteset in southwestern France
A cow at the farm where there has been an outbreak of lumpy skin disease

Overview

  • Veterinarians, escorted by police, euthanized more than 200 infected cows in Les Bordes-sur-Arize after security forces used tear gas to disperse a two-day blockade, with four arrests reported.
  • Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said nearly one million cattle will be vaccinated in the coming weeks, describing vaccination as mandatory and pledging compensation for losses.
  • Authorities report 110 outbreaks across nine departments, about 3,000 animals culled since June, and roughly €6 million already paid to farmers.
  • Farmer unrest continued, including a blockade on the A64 south of Toulouse with around 400 protesters and about 60 tractors reported on Saturday.
  • Officials maintain the insect-borne lumpy skin disease does not affect humans and say containment relies on full culling of infected herds, vaccination, movement restrictions, and psychological support for affected families.