Spain Battles First Cattle Outbreak: Lumpy Skin Disease Strikes Catalonia

Spain faces its first outbreak of lumpy skin disease in Catalonia, prompting cattle culls to prevent spread. Originating on a farm in Girona, the disease doesn't threaten humans but impacts cattle with blisters and reduced milk production, leading to trade bans. Control measures include movement restrictions and surveillance zones.

Spain has reported its initial encounter with lumpy skin disease, a highly contagious viral ailment affecting cattle, within the Catalonia region. Officials confirmed the outbreak on a dairy farm in Girona featuring 123 heifers, as symptoms emerged in early October.

The virus, prevalent in North Africa, transmits through insect bites, causing physical detriments in cattle such as blisters and decreased milk output, though it poses no human threat. However, economic ramifications include trade restrictions and livestock losses.

In a bid to mitigate spread, Spanish authorities are enforcing animal culls, halting cattle movements within a 20-kilometer radius, and establishing two surveillance zones. France has similarly instated a surveillance area near its Spanish border in response to this development.

(With inputs from agencies.)