France Battles First Outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease

France confirmed its first outbreak of lumpy skin disease at a cattle farm, the agriculture ministry announced on Sunday. The disease is known to cause blisters and reduced milk production in affected animals.

Lumpy skin disease is a highly infectious viral condition transmitted through insect bites. Although it poses no threat to human health, the outbreak can lead to significant trade restrictions for affected regions.

The outbreak was detected in the Savoie region, near the Alps, an area where the disease has been spreading across North Africa and Italy. To prevent further spread, French authorities have restricted cattle movement within a 50-kilometre radius of the outbreak site.

(With inputs from agencies.)