France says cattle disease under control as farm protests continue

A farmer stands next to a fire as French farmers and supporters gather at a roadblock to protest herd culling after a suspected case of lumpy skin disease at a nearby farm, as authorities enforce stricter measures to contain the highly contagious cattle disease, in Benque, in the Haute-Garonne department, France, December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz

PARIS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - France said on Monday the lumpy skin disease affecting cattle is under control in the country even as farmers continue a second week of protests against the government's handling of the virus by blocking highways with tractors and dumping manure.

Lumpy skin disease is a virus spread by insects that affects cattle and buffalo, causing blisters and reducing milk production. While not harmful to humans, it often results in trade restrictions and severe economic losses.