France Battles Rapid Spread of Viral Cattle Disease in Key Cheese Regions

The rapid spread of a viral cattle disease in the cheese-producing regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France has prompted urgent action from authorities. This outbreak poses a significant threat to both the health of cattle and the renowned local cheese industry.

Impact of the Disease

The virus causes skin lesions in cattle and can reduce milk production, which has serious consequences for farmers and the rural economy. It primarily spreads through insect bites, making containment especially difficult during the summer months when insect activity is high.

Government and Veterinary Response

To combat the spread of the disease, the French government initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign on July 19. Key points include:

1. Vaccination of approximately 100,000 cows across four Alpine departments.
2. Focus on the hardest-hit areas to quickly contain the virus.
3. Implementation of restrictions on animal movement within affected zones.

Veterinary teams are monitoring cattle health closely and encouraging farmers to report any signs of illness immediately.

Local Farmers’ Concerns

Farmers have expressed mixed feelings about the outbreak and the vaccination efforts:

• Relief over the proactive vaccination campaign.
• Concerns about potential negative impacts on cheese production and exports.

The affected regions produce prestigious cheeses such as Beaufort and Reblochon, which rely on healthy herds to maintain their quality.

Ongoing Measures and Future Outlook

Experts stress the importance of:

• Early detection of new cases.
• Strict biosecurity measures in livestock farming.
• Research into better prevention strategies against the virus.

The Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating with veterinary services, local governments, and farmer associations to ensure the vaccination program runs efficiently and to safeguard the region’s livestock and cheese industry.

Stay informed with Questiqa Europe News for the latest updates on this critical situation.

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