France Declares End of Contagious Nodular Dermatitis Crisis in Cattle with Lifting of Restrictions

France is emerging from an eight-month contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC) crisis affecting its cattle population, as no new cases have been reported since January 2, 2026. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced on February 20 that all regulated zones in France related to the outbreak have been lifted, signaling the end of imposed cattle movement restrictions. A small area near Pyrénées-Orientales remains affected only due to a case reported in neighboring Spain.

The outbreak, detected in October 2025, devastated herds such as one in Ecleux, Jura, where cattle were culled. A vaccination campaign launched in December protected nearly all cattle across ten departments, contributing significantly to halting the disease's spread.

Despite this progress, the Salon de l'agriculture, a prestigious annual livestock event, will proceed from February 21 without any cattle present for the first time in 60 years. Organizers prioritized health safety amid concerns, with Genevard emphasizing the absence of boycott and the event's smooth continuation. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier suggested greater flexibility regarding cattle presence but respected the final decision.

Raphaël Guatteo, a researcher in cattle health management, noted that although the contamination risk at the Salon was low, the consequences of potential outbreaks would have been severe. The lifting of the last regulated zone around Ariège is expected to further ease restrictions and support farmers in rebuilding their herds.