Escalating Farmer Protests and Expanded Control Zones Amid New Nodular Dermatitis Outbreak in Southern France

On December 13, 2025, French farmers intensified their protests against government-mandated cattle culling implemented to contain the contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC), following fresh outbreaks in southern France. The disease has newly been confirmed in Haute-Garonne, marking an extension of the affected regions after earlier cases in Ariège and Hautes-Pyrénées. Christian Dequé, president of the Haute-Garonne Chamber of Agriculture, reported that the regulated zone now encompasses 444 municipalities and the vaccination area has been expanded to cover the department entirely. He emphasized the vital importance of rigorous animal monitoring and strict biosafety measures, urging pet owners to vaccinate promptly.

Tensions escalated notably after clashes occurred on December 12 in Bordes-sur-Arize, Ariège, where law enforcement removed a single infected cow from a large herd of 208 animals targeted for culling, consistent with European protocols. This enforcement has heightened farmer frustration and opposition, creating confrontations with authorities.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard defended the culling strategy in an interview, affirming its efficacy based on previous successes in earlier outbreaks in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Meanwhile, the backdrop of these agricultural disputes is further complicated by the upcoming EU discussions on a trade deal with Mercosur countries, which French farmers strongly oppose.

Currently, farmers have maintained their pressure by blocking major highways A64 and A65 in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, signifying the breadth of unrest tied to the government's disease control measures. The situation remains volatile as authorities balance disease containment with addressing farmer grievances.