France Mobilizes Vaccination and Culling Strategies Amid Dermatose Nodulaire Contagieuse Outbreak

France is intensifying efforts to combat an ongoing outbreak of Dermatose Nodulaire Contagieuse (DNC), a contagious viral disease affecting cattle. The government announced a mass vaccination campaign targeting nearly one million bovines, alongside the culling of infected herds, to contain the virus that has spread across nine departments since June 29, 2025.

As of December 11, there have been 110 reported outbreaks impacting 75 farms, mainly in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. Over 3,000 cattle have been culled to prevent wider transmission. Total depopulation of infected herds is mandatory, complemented by state-funded mass vaccinations within six regulated zones, which include protection and surveillance areas extending up to 50 kilometers around outbreaks. Movement of cattle is tightly controlled with notification requirements shortened to 24 hours and disinfection mandates for transport vehicles, especially for commercial movements outside France.

These measures are designed to halt the spread of the disease and safeguard neighboring herds. Laurent Dupraz, a farmer in Haute-Savoie, reflected on the difficult but necessary culling measures, praising the affected farmers’ dignity and responsibility during the crisis.

The government's efforts have ignited protests among some farmers, notably in Ariège and the Basque Country, where demonstrations against the culling of healthy animals have resulted in highway blockages and clashes with law enforcement. Approximately 200 healthy cows were euthanized in Ariège amid tensions.

Political debate has emerged, with Marine Le Pen calling for urgent dialogue with farmers to explore alternatives to culling. However, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard countered these claims, emphasizing that multiple sanitary meetings involving stakeholders—farmers, unions, veterinary services—have been held to collaboratively develop the vaccination and containment strategy.

Additional preventive vaccination campaigns are underway in Corsica due to the threat from Sardinia. Vaccinated cattle can move to disease-free areas under strict conditions, facilitating controlled trade resumption with Italy and Switzerland.

France's multi-pronged strategy of culling, vaccination, and strict movement controls, backed by state funding, aims to contain the DNC outbreak, protect the agricultural sector, and minimize further animal losses, despite ongoing challenges and farmer unrest.