“We should not lower our guard”: more than 200,000 cattle have already been vaccinated against infected nodular dermatosis

More than 70% of the 310,000 cattle in question were vaccinated against contagious nodular dermatosis, a viral disease that has led to the killing of hundreds of cattle in Savoy and Haute-Savoie for almost six weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday. The first case was detected on June 29 in Savoy, before this unreasonable human disease it spread rapidly. To date, 74 homes have been identified, distributed in 39 farms, according to a statement from the Ministry.

To stop the propagation of contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC), transmitted through sticker insects, the State launched on July 18 a large vaccination campaign on 310,000 cattle in a “regulated area” that covers the two departments of Savoyard, as well as part of the departments of Ain and Isère. “Vaccination protection is effective 21 days after injection, the immunization of cattle in the area is beginning to establish,” said the ministry.

“Since July 22, the regulated area has not changed, which has reflected the absence of the propagation of the disease and testifies the effectiveness of the strategy” that is based on vaccination, the restriction of animal movements and the total slaughter of infected households, he adds. “I am delighted to observe, for the first time, a significant fall in the number of households detected. Despite these encouraging results, we must not lower our guard,” said Minister Annie Ginevard, cited in the text.

Blocking several farms

The systematic killing of animals arouses a strong emotion between the breeders and led to the blockade of several farms to prevent euthanasia, as well as a demonstration last week in Annecy, which brought together up to 300 people in the call of the peasant confederation and rural coordination, two unions opposed to this strategy. The powerful farmers of Fensea-Jeunes and their local unions, on the other hand, support the state strategy.

“To guarantee the support of the breeders who experienced depopulation, the State has established the payment of a first deposit. More than 1.2 million euros have already been paid,” said the Ministry of Agriculture, who said “continuing the dialogue […] To find pragmatic solutions to the difficulties “found in the field, to maintain the activity of the breeders and” guarantee animal welfare. “