French Farmers Escalate Protests Over Government's Cow Disease Response

Sat Dec 13 2025 15:38:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Farmers in France are demanding the government halt its mass slaughter policy in response to Lumpy Skin Disease outbreaks, escalating tensions with authorities.

As outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) prompt government-sanctioned cattle slaughters, French farmers have responded with protests, blocking roads and dumping manure outside government buildings. The policy, which has seen nearly 3,000 animals culled due to fears of contagion, faces opposition from key farmer unions who argue for alternative measures. The unrest underscores broader concerns among farmers regarding EU regulations and competition with foreign imports.

Angry French farmers are calling for more protests over the government-backed slaughter of cattle herds affected by so-called Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

On Thursday there were clashes between riot police and demonstrators in the southern Ariège department, after vets were called in to destroy potentially contaminated cattle at a farm.

Elsewhere in the south, farmers have dumped manure outside government buildings and blocked roads. The offices of several environmentalist groups were ransacked in the Charente-Maritime department.

LSD is a highly contagious bovine disease transmitted mainly by fly-bites, with symptoms including fever, mucal discharge, and skin nodules.

Though mainly non-fatal, it can severely impact milk production, rendering cows unsaleable. The disease entered Europe from Africa about a decade ago, with France's first outbreak in the Alps in June disrupting the Tour de France.

The government's drastic policy of slaughtering entire herds due to a single infected animal faces opposition from two of the three main farmers' unions, who argue that selective culling and vaccination would suffice.

However, most veterinarians oppose this view. Stephanie Philizot of the SNGTV vets' union stated, Right now we are unable to tell the difference between a healthy animal and a symptomless animal carrying the virus, which is why full herd slaughters must occur.

Since June, around 110 outbreaks of LSD have been recorded, primarily in eastern France, now spreading to the south-west, attributed to illegal cattle movements. Approximately 3,000 animals have already been culled.

The French government is concerned these protests might spiral into a broader movement among farmers who feel threatened by EU regulations and foreign competition.

A significant protest is planned in Brussels next week during an EU leaders' summit as various sectors, including wine and poultry farmers, face crises. Additionally, there is widespread opposition to an impending EU free-trade agreement with South American countries, feared to introduce cheaper food imports produced under less stringent environmental and health regulations.