Savoie Launches Vaccination Campaign Against Contagious Nodular Dermatitis in Cattle

In a proactive measure to combat contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC) following its first outbreak in Savoie, local authorities have launched a vaccination campaign targeting cattle. The initiative began on July 18, 2025, spearheaded by the Prefect of Savoie, Vanina Nicoli. At a meeting with key agricultural stakeholders including the Savoie Mont-Blanc Agricultural Chamber and veterinary representatives, details of the vaccination efforts were discussed, with a coordinated approach involving farmers and state services to ensure swift implementation of the campaign.

The French Minister of Agriculture has ordered several hundred thousand vaccine doses from the European Union to support this crucial public health initiative. The vaccine is administered via a single subcutaneous injection and has shown high effectiveness in previous outbreaks in the Balkans and Southern Europe. Minor side effects are rare, with less than 0.02% incidence, and full immunity is conferred by three weeks after vaccination, without impacting the quality of milk or meat produced by vaccinated animals.

Vaccination efforts will focus on all cattle farms within a 50 km radius of the confirmed DNC cases. This campaign is complemented by strict movement restrictions for livestock and the culling of infected animals, which aims to control the virus’s spread and protect the local cattle population. Support systems have been established for veterinarians and affected farmers, including dedicated hotlines and psychological assistance through the Réagir network. The Prefect underscored the necessity of a rapid vaccination rollout to help safeguard the livestock industry in the region.