Overview
- The show’s organizers announced on January 13 that no cows, bulls or calves will be exhibited from February 21 to March 1 at Paris Expo, a first in the Salon’s history and in 132 editions of the Concours Général Agricole.
- Talks to allow a limited, symbolic presence failed after bovine breed organizations maintained their withdrawal; Biguine, the Brahman chosen as the 2026 mascot, will not appear and her image will be removed from the official poster.
- Dermatose nodulaire contagieuse was first detected in France in June 2025, prompting movement restrictions and vaccination zones, and any confirmed case triggers euthanasia of the entire affected herd.
- Some ovine and porcine groups are also pulling out or reconsidering participation in solidarity with cattle breeders and over broader grievances about policy, trade and farm incomes.
- Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said the disease is contained with no current cases and regulatory zones being lifted in parts of the country, while organizers are redesigning the halls and urging a calm, debate-focused edition with public support.