French Government Endorses Livestock Culling Amid Declining Farmer Protests Over Contagious Nodular Dermatitis

The French government continues to support systematic culling of cattle as a necessary measure to combat contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC), despite ongoing farmer protests against this policy. Marc Fesneau, head of the Modem party, described culling as "the least bad of solutions," emphasizing that the decision is based on scientific advice rather than public pressure. He highlighted the need to restore agricultural competitiveness and supported trade agreements like Mercosur and CETA as part of economic strategy.

Farmer mobilization opposing the mass slaughter has significantly decreased from 4,000 participants on Friday to 720 by Sunday, with many blockades lifted across France. Nevertheless, some protests continue in the South-West, including blockades on major routes like the RN20 near Tarascon-sur-Ariège and roads towards ski resorts and Andorra. Disruptions persist on highways such as the A63 near Bordeaux and the A64 between Toulouse and Bayonne. Farmers demand an end to the policy of systematic herd abatement upon detection of DNC and call for support for the struggling wine industry.

Jérôme Bayle, a leader at the Carbonne blockade, warned that forced removal of protesters could trigger chaos, reflecting widespread discontent. A scheduled dialogue meeting between scientists and agricultural representatives in Occitanie aims to discuss DNC management protocols, including culling, vaccination, and movement restrictions. The state has been addressing the outbreak since last summer, which began in Savoie.

Fesneau also framed the difficult agricultural fight within broader budget negotiations, urging socialists to accept spending cuts and warning of potential government use of Article 49.3 to pass the 2026 budget. He noted the importance of maintaining investments, such as the 10 billion euro aircraft carrier due by 2038, underlining national security priorities amid fiscal constraints.