French Agricultural Sector Unites Behind Strategy to Combat Bovine Viral Dermatosis (BVD)
Paris, France – July 16, 2025 – In a significant development for the French livestock industry, key stakeholders involved in animal health have formally endorsed a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating Bovine Viral Dermatosis (BVD), also known as Dermatose Nodulaire Contagieuse bovine (DNC). The announcement, made by the Ministry of Agriculture on July 16, 2025, signifies a unified commitment to protecting the nation’s cattle population from this impactful disease.
BVD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, causing a range of symptoms including fever, lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, and in severe cases, respiratory and reproductive issues. While not typically fatal, BVD can lead to significant economic losses for farmers due to reduced productivity, abortion, infertility, and the costs associated with managing affected animals.
The newly approved strategy, developed through collaborative efforts involving veterinary professionals, industry representatives, and government agencies, outlines a multi-faceted approach to control and ultimately eliminate BVD from French herds. While specific details of the strategy have not yet been fully disclosed, it is understood to encompass several key pillars.
Central to the plan is likely to be an enhanced focus on surveillance and early detection. This will involve robust monitoring programs to identify any new incursions of the virus and to quickly detect its presence within herds. Improved diagnostic tools and more widespread testing are expected to play a crucial role in this aspect.
Another critical component will undoubtedly be the implementation of strict biosecurity measures. Farmers will be encouraged and supported in reinforcing biosecurity protocols on their farms to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus. This could include measures related to animal movement, hygiene, and pest control, as BVD can be transmitted by biting insects.
Furthermore, the strategy is expected to address animal movement controls and traceability. Understanding the movement of cattle within France and from international sources will be vital for containing any outbreaks. This may involve stricter regulations on the movement of animals from affected areas and improved traceability systems to quickly identify and manage potentially exposed livestock.
The endorsement of this strategy by a broad spectrum of animal health actors underscores the shared understanding of the threat posed by BVD and the collective determination to overcome it. It represents a proactive and coordinated effort to safeguard the health and economic viability of the French cattle sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that further information regarding the practical implementation of the strategy, including specific guidelines and support mechanisms for farmers, will be made available in the coming weeks. This collaborative approach, driven by the approval of key industry players, offers a promising outlook for the future of BVD control in France.
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Ministère de Agriculture published ‘Dermatose nodulaire contagieuse bovine (DNC) : les acteurs du sanitaire approuvent la stratégie de lutte contre la DNC’ at 2025-07-16 18:45. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.