France’s September LSD Outbreak: A New Flashpoint in Europe’s Biosecurity Battle
On September 6th, 2025, French authorities confirmed a new outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, marking the second major flare-up since the initial case in Savoie earlier this summer. This resurgence has intensified scrutiny over Europe’s preparedness and response capabilities, especially as the disease continues to spread despite containment efforts. What Happened on September 6? - A cluster of LSD cases was detected in a cattle farm near Limoges, prompting immediate lockdown of the premises. - The French Ministry of Agriculture activated a reinforced control zone spanning 100 kilometers, doubling the radius used in the June outbreak. - Veterinary teams began mass testing and culling of exposed animals, while movement restrictions were imposed on surrounding farms. Why This Outbreak Matters Unlike the June incident, which was largely contained, the September outbreak: - Occurred in a high-density livestock corridor, increasing the risk of rapid transm...
