Farmers across France have initiated protests, including blockades and demonstrations, in response to the government's policy of culling cattle herds affected by Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) Overview
LSD is a highly contagious bovine disease primarily transmitted by fly bites. Symptoms include fever, mucosal discharge, and skin nodules. While generally non-fatal, the disease can significantly impact milk production and render affected cows unsaleable.
The disease originated in Africa and reached Europe approximately ten years ago. France's first confirmed outbreak occurred in the Alps in June, leading to an infected herd that caused a stage of the Tour de France cycle race to be shortened. Since June, approximately 110 outbreaks have been recorded in France, initially in the east and now increasingly in the south-west. Ministry officials attribute the spread to the illegal movement of cattle from affected zones. Around 3,000 animals have been slaughtered to date.
Government Policy and Farmer Opposition
The French government's policy mandates the slaughter of entire herds when a single animal is infected with LSD. This policy has faced strong opposition from two of the three primary farmers' unions, Confédération Rurale and Confédération Paysanne. These unions argue that the policy is being applied excessively and that a combination of selective culling and vaccination would be sufficient.
Conversely, a majority of veterinary professionals support the current culling policy. Stephanie Philizot, head of the SNGTV vets' union, stated that the inability to differentiate between healthy and symptomless virus-carrying animals necessitates whole-herd slaughters.
Protests and Broader Concerns
Protest actions have included farmers dumping manure outside government buildings, blocking roads, and ransacking the offices of environmentalist groups in the Charente-Maritime department. Clashes between riot police and demonstrators occurred in the southern Ariège department following efforts by veterinarians to cull potentially contaminated cattle at a farm.
The French government has expressed concern that these protests could escalate into a broader movement among the farming population. Farmers reportedly perceive themselves as being under increasing pressure from the implementation of European Union (EU) standards and international competition. A large protest is scheduled to take place in Brussels next week during an EU leaders' summit. Several French agricultural sectors currently face challenges, including wine-growers due to declining consumption and poultry farmers affected by avian flu.
Opposition also exists regarding the potential signing of an EU free-trade agreement with South American countries. Farmers express concerns that such an agreement could increase cheap food imports into France, some of which may be produced under less stringent environmental and sanitary regulations.