Cows graze in a field in Mouzeuil near Nantes, September 23, 2024.
Lumpy skin disease, a viral condition spread through insect bites, causes blisters and reduces milk production in cattle. While it poses no threat to humans, it often results in trade restrictions and economic impacts for affected regions. The disease is prevalent in North Africa and was identified in Italy in late June 2025.
In France, the number of outbreaks has dropped sharply, from approximately 10 per week in July and early August to just two per week in recent reports. Since late June, 77 outbreaks have been confirmed, primarily in the eastern departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, with some cases in the neighboring Ain department.
The agriculture ministry reported that, as of late August 2025, over 220,000 cattle—representing more than 90% of the livestock in affected zones—have been vaccinated. Additionally, around 1,700 cattle have been culled to prevent further spread. France maintains the largest cattle herd in the European Union, with approximately 17 million animals.
Due to the outbreaks, several countries, including Britain, have imposed restrictions on importing raw milk cheese from France, according to French dairy producers. These measures aim to safeguard their livestock industries while France continues efforts to manage the disease.
The success of the vaccination campaign has contributed to stabilizing the situation, and the ministry remains focused on monitoring and controlling the disease to support the agricultural sector.
