DNC Outbreak in Savoie: Control Efforts Intensify as Cattle Euthanasia Measures Implemented
Savoie intensifies DNC outbreak control with cattle euthanasia and strict regulations.
Key Points
- • 143 infected cattle have been euthanized since July 1.
- • Seven infection sites identified, mainly in Entrelacs, affecting 24 farms.
- • A 50-kilometer regulated zone includes movement restrictions and veterinary surveillance.
- • Support services for farmers are available to mitigate economic impacts.
The outbreak of Dermatose Nodulaire Contagieuse (DNC) in the Savoie region of France is prompting swift and serious control measures, with a total of 143 infected cattle euthanized since July 1. The disease, which affects only cattle and is spread through insect bites, was first identified in seven locations within Savoie, especially concentrated around the commune of Entrelacs, where 24 bovine farms are located. In an effort to contain the outbreak, the prefecture has instituted a 50-kilometer regulated zone encompassing various biosafety protocols and restrictions on animal movements.
Vanina Nicoli, the prefect of Savoie, underscores the government's commitment to eradicating the disease quickly to safeguard the bovine sector and emphasizes that strict monitoring from veterinary teams is ongoing across the affected farms. The implementation of a 20-kilometer protection zone covering 50 communes, alongside a broader 50-kilometer surveillance area involving 150 communes, aims to prevent further spread of the disease.
Support initiatives for impacted farmers, including hotlines and economic assistance resources, have also been established to alleviate the financial burden caused by the outbreak. As DNC is classified as a category A disease within European regulations, immediate eradication efforts are a high priority for local authorities, focusing on protecting both farms and public health.