France's National Agriculture Fair Excludes Cattle Due to Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak

Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak Impact

• 🐄 France's National Agriculture Fair, a tradition since 1964, will not feature cattle for the first time in its 132 editions due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease.
• ⚠️ This contagious illness affects cattle, causing fever and lumps, and has led breeders to refuse sending cows, even symbolically, fearing contamination.

Breeder Boycott and Government Criticism

• ✊ The absence of cattle is a heavy blow to the fair, which is culturally and historically tied to cattle farming.
• 🗣️ Breeders are boycotting to show solidarity with affected farmers and protest the government's decision to cull all animals in contaminated herds.
• 📢 Farmers are calling for a change in strategy, advocating for an end to total culling and an expansion of vaccination.

Broader Farmer Protests and Fair Preparations

• 🚜 The situation occurs amidst ongoing farmer protests, including recent tractor demonstrations in Paris over the Merkosur trade agreement.
• 🤝 Organizers have urged for these divisions to be set aside temporarily to ensure the preparation and success of the agricultural fair.