France Accelerates Vaccination Efforts Amid Ongoing Skin Disease Outbreak and Blockades

The French government is ramping up its vaccination efforts against contagious nodular dermatitis (CND) as outbreaks continue in the Southwest. An additional 750,000 cattle are now targeted for vaccination, with military veterinarians being deployed to assist. Farmers remain vocal in their protests, blocking roads and railways as frustration grows over the government’s handling of the situation.

Vaccination Strategy and Goals

On December 16, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced that the full herd affected must be vaccinated swiftly. The target has narrowed from an estimated range of 600,000 to 1 million animals to a definitive goal of 750,000. The prime minister emphasized the urgency of the vaccination process and the need for available vaccine doses.

Logistical Challenges

The vaccination campaign represents a significant logistical challenge. Vaccines must be delivered to ten departments within a designated quarantine zone. Currently, a stock of 500,000 vaccines is being transported, with 400,000 doses from the Netherlands set to arrive soon.

• Total of 113 CND outbreaks recorded since June.
• 3,300 cattle culled from a population of approximately 16 million.

Farmer Protests and Demands

Despite government promises, farmers have expressed dissatisfaction. They demand nationwide vaccine availability and a halt to culling cattle at the first sign of disease. Agricultural unions, including Confédération paysanne and Coordination rurale, have led protests, which have now entered their seventh consecutive day.

Current Protest Actions

On December 16, farmers disrupted rail traffic between Toulouse and Narbonne and blocked the A61 highway. The Ministry of the Interior reports that around 3,400 protesters are actively engaged in 75 separate demonstrations.

Future Plans and Upcoming Discussions

Further actions are planned, including a demonstration in Limoges with farmers constructing a hay and straw wall. Agriculture Minister Lecornu is set to meet with agricultural unions to discuss ongoing concerns, particularly regarding the proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which has faced criticism from farming leaders.

As the government attempts to manage the crisis, including the vaccination rollout, tensions with farmers indicate a challenging path ahead.