France Sets Sights on Saving Cattle with Mass Vaccination Drive

France plans to vaccinate 1 million cattle against lumpy skin disease, following outbreaks that necessitated large-scale culling. The government faces protests from farmers opposing herd culling. While the disease poses economic threats, vaccination and compensatory measures are being adopted to curb its spread and safeguard the cattle export sector.

France is gearing up to vaccinate one million cattle against lumpy skin disease in the next few weeks, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced on Saturday. This initiative comes amidst growing discontent among farmers who oppose the government's policy of mass culling, which aims to curb the disease.

The announcement follows multiple outbreaks of the virus, which is spread by insects and affects cattle and buffalo. While not dangerous to humans, the disease inflicts significant economic damage by causing blisters and diminishing milk production, leading to trade barriers.

Genevard emphasized the government's commitment to compensating farmers for their losses. Despite protests, the government, supported by the FNSEA farming union, insists that both culling and vaccination are vital to control the disease, protect exports, and avert catastrophic losses in livestock numbers.

(With inputs from agencies.)