France has rolled out a free vaccination plan to protect the nation’s sheep, cattle and goat herds after a new strain of bluetongue virus was detected in the country's north, causing panic among farmers.
The virus, which affects livestock, has been confirmed in three regions – Nord, Aisne and Ardennes – raising concerns of a broader outbreak that could significantly impact the agricultural sector.
Carried by tiny biting insects called midges, the virus causes symptoms such as fever, mouth ulcers, and difficulty breathing in infected animals. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
In response, the French government is distributing 6.4 million doses of vaccine to regions most impacted by the newly identified BTV3 serotype (FCO-BTV3). The vaccine drive includes 1.1 million single doses for sheep and 5.3 million doses for cattle, which will receive two doses.
To contain the outbreak, a 150-kilometre regulated zone around the affected areas has been established.
Economic repercussions
Livestock within the zone must undergo insecticide treatments and pass health tests before they can be moved – a measure that makes it difficult for farmers to sell or transport their animals.
"The bluetongue virus does not affect humans or the quality of meat and milk, but its economic repercussions can be significant, including the closure of foreign markets," the Foreign Ministry said on its website.
"Livestock within the regulated zone are subject to mandatory insecticide treatments and health tests ... with exceptions made only for direct transport to abattoirs or closed fattening facilities."
European spread
BTV3 was first detected in Europe at the end of 2023. The outbreak began in the Netherlands, around Amsterdam, and spread to Belgium and Germany by late 2023.
By late July 2024, it was detected in Belgium near the French border. The virus subsequently crossed into France, with the first confirmed case reported on 5 August in the Nord department.
As of 8 August, three outbreaks have been confirmed in France, with 22 additional suspected cases under investigation. The vaccination drive, which began on 12 August and will continue until 31 December, aims to prevent a more severe crisis.
The restrictions on moving livestock and the high costs of vaccination and insecticide treatments are hitting farmers hard, both financially and emotionally.
The uncertainty surrounding the virus's spread is adding intense stress to an already strained agricultural community.
"We’re worried about the progression of biting insects," said Michèle Boudoin, president of the National Ovine Federation.
"We need to order more vaccines, even though we have 5.1 million ewes in France, not counting ewe lambs and rams."
Boudoin advised farmers grappling with bluetongue to remain calm and focused on their vaccination efforts.
Vaccination is voluntary, but strongly recommended.
Some farmers in northern France shared their vaccination efforts in posts to social media.
"FCO 3 vaccination for dairy cows, dry cows and pregnant heifers ... Fingers crossed the vaccine is effective," Adrién, an animal health technician, wrote on X.
"Good luck to everyone facing the arrival of this new virus wave."
