Santander- 29.12.2025
Cantabria is extending measures to prevent the spread of Lumpy Dermatoses (NCD) for at least two more months, a decision prompted by rising cases in Spain and neighboring France. The government announced the extension on December 29, 2025, citing the potential for significant livestock losses if the disease takes hold in the region. Counselor María Jesús Susinos emphasized, “We must not lower our guard in the face of a disease that, if it entered our region, would take away a good part of our herd livestock.”
Livestock Protection Measures Extended Through February
Cantabria’s government is prioritizing the health of its livestock by prolonging preventative measures against Lumpy Dermatoses.
- The current measures, initially set to expire December 31, will remain in effect until at least February 28, 2026.
- A key change allows equestrian sporting events to continue, as horses are considered low-risk and undergo strict disinfection protocols.
- Cantabria is urging the European Commission to expand vaccination plans to include Aragon, Navarra, and the Basque Country.
- Increased surveillance and health checks will be implemented for livestock entering Cantabria from France.
The extension, to be published in the Official Gazette of Cantabria (BOC) on December 31, comes after meetings of the Veterinary Health Alert Network (RASVE). Officials are particularly concerned about the inability of the French government to effectively control livestock movements, leading Cantabria’s Ministry of Agriculture to request broader vaccination efforts. While the ministry rejected Cantabria’s specific request, it approved vaccination plans for Aragon, Navarra, and the Basque Country, mirroring vaccination zones established north of the Pyrenees.
Susinos also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding livestock movement controls in France, stating, “From our community we are going to intensify the degree of control, surveillance and health requirements in all movements coming from the neighboring country.” She further advised Cantabrian livestock farmers to avoid purchasing animals from high-risk areas.
Current Measures in Place
As of December 31, all fairs, contests, auctions, pilgrimages, markets, and animal gatherings (excluding dogs, cats, and equestrian events) remain suspended throughout Cantabria. Animals of species susceptible to NCD arriving from outside the autonomous community will be subject to a mandatory 21-day veterinary quarantine upon entering a Cantabrian farm. This immobilization applies to all animals within the epidemiological unit.
However, this quarantine does not apply to animals destined for slaughterhouses. Direct transactions between individuals are permitted, provided transport adheres to cleaning, disinfection, and disinfestation protocols outlined in Royal Decree 638/2019. Animals under one year old can continue to pass through the National Livestock Market and concentration centers as usual.
The National Livestock Market of Torrelavega will maintain its restriction on animals over one year old entering from outside the region, as implementing a quarantine would overwhelm the market’s capacity. All livestock transport vehicles must undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection, with disinfestation completed within 24 hours of arrival in Cantabria if not done beforehand. Official veterinary services will oversee these cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Commercial operators are required to maintain records of cleaning and disinfection for all vehicles unloading animals at their facilities. With the exception of birds (due to avian flu restrictions) and bovine flu, animals not susceptible to these diseases are permitted to participate in Christmas holiday events.
Susinos expressed gratitude to the livestock sector for their cooperation, stating, “I want to thank the livestock farmers for their responsibility in complying with some uncomfortable measures, but very necessary due to the serious consequences that the arrival of the disease in our region would entail,” adding that their compliance demonstrates “the maturity of the livestock sector in Cantabria.”
