France lifts most cattle movement rules after lumpy skin disease cases stopped.

France has lifted most cattle movement restrictions as of February 20, 2026, after no new cases of lumpy skin disease were reported since January 2. The highly contagious viral disease, which affects cattle but not humans, caused 117 outbreaks primarily in southwest France and near the Alps. Only a small area in the Pyrenees-Orientales remains restricted due to a case linked to Spain. Despite the recovery, the Paris International Agriculture Show will not feature cattle for the first time, reflecting ongoing caution. The government’s culling measures have drawn criticism and sparked protests. Outbreaks have also been reported in Italy and Spain.