At the end of June 2025, several outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD), also known as skin nodule disease, were reported in Italy. The first confirmed case occurred on June 21 in Sardinia. Seven animals fell ill on a farm with 131 cattle. Cases of the cattle disease have also been reported in the Po Valley.
On June 30, the first case in France was also confirmed in the department of Savoie, whereupon exclusion zones with a radius of 50 km were established and livestock restrictions applied.
Disease, transmission and consequences
Lumpy skin disease is caused by a capripox virus and is harmless to humans. It is characterized by fever, painful skin lumps (0.5-5 cm), swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite and a drop in milk yield.
Due to the high risk of infection, infected animals must be culled and there are strict trade bans on animal transports and animal products in restricted areas.
International reactions and trade restrictions
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the EU authorities are closely monitoring developments in Italy and France. The UK has already imposed import bans: since June 26, no live cattle, raw milk, hides or certain by-products may be imported from Italy.
Australia has also activated precautionary measures for veterinary and feed imports from Italy. The Australian authorities have also activated precautionary measures for veterinary and feed imports from Italy.
Livestock farmers in northern Italy, Austria and Switzerland are called upon to be more vigilant in the event of symptoms of infestation. Important countermeasures include:
- Strict biosecurity measures on farms,
- Inspection and disinfection of animal transports
- Use of insect protection (repellents, elimination of breeding sites).
- Suspected cases must be reported to the veterinary authorities
Although there are no officially approved vaccines in the EU, homologous vaccines are used in other regions. In Italy, however, this has not yet been the case.
