Headlines
France lifts most cattle movement curbs on eve of Paris farm show
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Summary
France eases most cattle movement curbs after weeks without new lumpy skin disease cases. A limited zone stays restricted as the Paris farm show opens without cattle for the first time.
France Eases Most Cattle Movement Limits Ahead of Paris Farm Show
PARIS, Feb 20 (Reuters) - France has lifted most of the curbs that were imposed on moving cattle to stop the spread of lumpy skin disease, the agriculture minister said on Friday, a day before Europe's largest farm show opens in Paris with no cows on display for the first time.
The highly contagious lumpy skin disease, mainly spread by biting insects, causes fever and painful skin lumps, weakens animals and reduces milk output. France has recorded 117 outbreaks, primarily in areas near the Alps and the southwest.
"Since we have had no cases of lumpy skin disease since January 2 (...) we are lifting all restrictions except for a very small area in the Pyrenees-Orientales, which is linked to a case in Spain," Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard told France Inter radio.
Market and Trade Implications
"This means that we can return to normal life, that we can trade again, that we can move these animals again," she said.
Paris Agriculture Show Update
Organisers of the International Agriculture Show said last month that no cattle would be exhibited at the Paris event this year for the first time in its history, citing concerns about the disease.
"The farmers have chosen to be cautious. I understand them, I respect them," Genevard said, referring to the decision.
Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact
The 500 to 600 cattle usually present at the International Agriculture Show are a major attraction at the annual event, which draws about 600,000 people, and are popular with children eager to see farm animals up close.
Policy Response and Farmer Reaction
The government's handling of the outbreak, which included culling entire herds in contaminated areas, has been criticised by some French farmers. Anger over the issue was among the drivers of protests in Paris last month.
Cross-Border Context: Spain and Italy
France has been the European country most affected by lumpy skin disease, though outbreaks have also been reported in Italy and Spain.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Sybille de La Hamaide;Editing by Helen Popper)
Key Takeaways
- •France has lifted most cattle movement restrictions after no new cases since Jan 2.
- •A small restricted zone remains in Pyrenees-Orientales due to cross-border risk.
- •Authorities recorded over 100 outbreaks, mainly near the Alps and in the southwest.
- •Paris’s International Agriculture Show will proceed without cattle this year.
- •Culling policies and controls sparked criticism and farmer protests in recent weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions about France lifts most cattle movement curbs on eve of Paris farm show
1What is the main topic?
France is lifting most cattle movement restrictions imposed to curb lumpy skin disease, while the Paris International Agriculture Show opens without cattle as a precaution.
2Why are no cattle on display at the Paris farm show?
Organisers and breeders opted to exclude cattle to avoid any risk of spreading lumpy skin disease, despite improving outbreak trends and the easing of movement curbs.
3How do lifted curbs affect farmers and trade?
Relaxed restrictions allow more normal cattle movements and trade to resume, though a small restricted zone remains and monitoring and vaccination efforts continue.
