Video: Agricultural Minister Considers Full Livestock Vaccination Against Skin Disease
The French Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, recently addressed a significant outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis (CND) during her visit to Besançon. This visit occurred five days after the culling of 83 cattle in Pouilley-Français, located in the Doubs region, due to confirmed cases of the disease. Minister Genevard met with local cattle farmers to express her support and to convey a message of compassion amidst ongoing challenges.
Vaccination Consideration Against Skin Disease
During her meeting, Genevard highlighted the importance of vaccination as a preventative measure. She acknowledged pressure from agricultural representatives regarding the potential for comprehensive vaccination against skin diseases in France. “Vaccination is the best form of prevention,” she stated, while emphasizing that currently, vaccines are only allocated to infected zones. The prospect of a nationwide vaccination is now being considered.
Support for Farmers Amid Outbreak
- Genevard visited a farm in Saules, east of Besançon.
- Engagements included discussions with the Lhomme family, who are local farmers.
- The minister plans to convene the Parliament of Agriculture to involve various stakeholders, including veterinarians and researchers.
In response to the situation, Nicolas Bongay, president of the Coordination Rurale in Doubs and Haute-Saône, stressed the essential need for increased vaccination efforts. He linked the ongoing challenges to misinformation and urged for more respectful conversations regarding the situation.
Investigation into the Pouilley-Français Outbreak
The outbreak in Pouilley-Français, identified on November 29, is believed to have stemmed from animals transported illegally from Écleux in Jura. Genevard confirmed that the disease likely entered through a sick animal. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the pathways of transmission and whether proper controls were bypassed during transportation.
Statistics on the Outbreak
The minister provided crucial statistics regarding the current CND outbreak:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Livestock in France | 16 million head of cattle |
| Culls Due to CND | 3,000 animals (0.02% of the herd) |
| Morbidity Rate of Virus | Up to 15% among infected cattle |
Genevard expressed her commitment to addressing the outbreak effectively and articulated that responses to misinformation are a priority. Amid a climate of tension, she urged unity and accountability among all stakeholders involved.
As the situation progresses, the French government aims to strengthen its response to the CND and enhance the welfare of livestock throughout the nation.
