France suspends export of cattle due to the spread of dermatosis

The French government has decided to suspend for 15 days, starting this Saturday and until November 4, the exports of live cattle and to restrict movements in a "draconian" manner, with reinforced controls and threats of sanctions for violators in an attempt to curb the spread of dermatosis. "We are at a critical moment and we must continue to work to protect the French cattle herd," declared Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard on Friday at the end of a meeting in the prefecture (government delegation) of Lons Le Saunier (northeast) dedicated to the rapid spread of this disease in recent weeks. Genevard insisted that "we must take the measure of the danger" and that farmers must warn veterinary services as soon as they suspect the presence of an infected animal. The minister announced at the end of the meeting a series of "very drastic measures, with movement restrictions, also for exports, as well as draconian reinforcement of controls. Illegal movements will be sanctioned ...