Farmers Intensify Protests Across France Against Total Culling Policy for Contagious Nodular Dermatitis

Farmers in France are intensifying their protests against the government’s strict management approach to contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC), which mandates the total culling of affected herds. The controversy escalated after over 200 cows were culled at the Mouriscou farm in Bordes-sur-Arize, Ariège, following a DNC detection, sparking widespread outrage among farmers who denounce the policy as "deeply unjust" and economically devastating.

The Ariège farm, home to a herd of 207 blonde Aquitaine cows, went silent post-culling, eliciting strong empathy from local residents towards the Vergé family who operate it. In response, nationwide demonstrations are planned, including blockades on the A64 highway near Toulouse with about 80 tractors and protests scheduled in Doubs and Mont-de-Marsan, highlighting farmers’ rejection of the current eradication strategy.

Farmers’ unions such as the Confédération paysanne and Coordination rurale are vocally opposing the policy, advocating instead for vaccination strategies. Stéphane Galais of the Confédération paysanne criticized the government’s refusal to consider local proposals, urging to stop systematic herd culling. Bertrand Venteau, president of the Coordination rurale, expressed dissatisfaction after a meeting with Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, calling on the Prime Minister and President to support vaccination programs.

On December 11, tensions led to clashes between protesting farmers and law enforcement in Ariège. Meanwhile, FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau insisted on following scientific consensus, which supports culling to control the highly contagious disease, warning that failure to act could jeopardize France’s agricultural standing in Europe. Rousseau cited similar protocols used in Spain and Italy.

The conflict highlights a deep divide in the agricultural community over disease management, with minority unions prioritizing farmers’ livelihoods and the government emphasizing sanitary safety. The issue remains a pressing challenge across affected regions including Ariège, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Haute-Garonne, as farmers vow continued mobilization to change the policy.