Lumpy Skin Disease Ariège: Herd Slaughtered – New Case

Lumpy Skin Disease Resurfaces in France, Sparking Farmer Protests

Léran, Ariège, January 2, 2026-A highly contagious and economically devastating disease, lumpy skin disease (LSD), has resurfaced in France, prompting the planned slaughter of 113 cattle this Friday. This marks the second confirmed case in the Ariège department, raising concerns among local farmers despite widespread vaccination efforts.

The affected farmer has agreed to the culling of his entire herd, even though the animals were vaccinated against LSD in December. Experts caution that vaccinated animals can still contract the virus within 30 days of receiving the shot,highlighting the challenges of controlling this rapidly spreading disease.

Vaccination rates are remarkably high in Ariège, with over 70,000 animals vaccinated by the end of December 2025. More than 95% of herds in the department have received at least one dose, and over 60% of farms within the broader vaccination zone are similarly protected.

Did you know? – LSD primarily affects cattle and water buffalo, causing notable economic losses for farmers due to reduced milk production, weight loss, and potential death.

28th Outbreak in Occitanie

This latest outbreak represents the 28th case of LSD in the Occitanie region and the 116th detected across France since June 29, 2025. The first animal in Ariège diagnosed with LSD was identified on December 9,2025,leading to protests from hundreds of farmers who temporarily blocked roads and staged demonstrations to prevent a full herd slaughter. Ultimately, a herd of over 200 animals was euthanized on December 12.

Since then,farmers have continued to demonstrate throughout the Occitanie region,protesting the protocol that mandates the culling of all cattle upon a positive diagnosis. As the new year begins, they remain stationed on the A64 highway near Carbonne, south of Toulouse.

Pro tip – Strict biosecurity measures, including controlling insect vectors and restricting animal movement, are crucial in preventing the spread of LSD.

• Lumpy skin disease does not pose a risk to human health.
• The virus causes fever and skin nodules, leading to reduced milk production and potential death in cattle.
• Transmission occurs through insect bites,direct contact,and contaminated equipment.

What are the symptoms of lumpy skin disease? The disease presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and characteristic skin nodules. These nodules can cover the entire body, causing significant discomfort and economic losses for farmers.

Reader question – What are your thoughts on balancing animal health with the economic impact of mandatory culling during disease outbreaks?

Why did this happen? Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease affecting cattle. The recent outbreaks in France, including the latest in Ariège, are attributed to the spread of the virus, likely through insect vectors (like biting flies) and perhaps direct contact between animals. Despite high vaccination rates, the virus can still infect recently vaccinated animals.

who is affected? The primary victims are cattle farmers, particularly in the Occitanie region and now Ariège. The disease causes economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, and the cost of culling infected herds. The protests indicate widespread farmer frustration.

What is the current situation? As of January 2, 2026, France has confirmed 116 cases of LSD since June 29, 2025, with 28 cases in the Occitanie region alone. A second case has been identified in Ariège, leading to a planned slaughter of 113 cattle on