Border areas in Germany witness a surge in illnesses, cautions the government
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a notifiable viral disease affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, has recently emerged in Western Europe. The disease, also known as nodular skin disease, is highly contagious and can cause significant economic damage due to losses in milk and dairy production.
European countries like France and Italy are taking proactive measures to control the spread of LSD. Emergency protective vaccination, culling of infected herds, enhanced biosecurity, and restrictions on the movement of live animals in affected zones are some of the key control measures being implemented. The European Commission supports these efforts by providing vaccines via the European Vaccine Bank.
France, for instance, submitted an official emergency vaccination plan in July 2025, requesting vaccine doses from the Union vaccine bank to start protective vaccination campaigns. Italy has established protection and surveillance zones, especially in Sardinia and Lombardy, applying disease control regulations and restricting animal movements. These actions align with European Union regulations laid out in Delegated Regulations and Commission Implementing Decisions, providing the legal framework for vaccination and disease control measures.
However, as of August 2025, no publicly available information confirms approved LSD vaccines or vaccination campaigns in Germany. The focus is on France, Italy, and EU-level coordination through vaccine banks. Given the disease's recent emergence in Western Europe, countries including Germany are likely monitoring the situation and awaiting potential outbreaks or official EU guidance before initiating vaccination campaigns.
The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Germany's federal research institute for animal health, has issued a warning about the imminent introduction of LSD. Affected animals should send skin or mucous membrane samples to the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute to help detect the disease early and prevent its spread. Symptoms of LSD include fever and swollen lymph nodes.
It's important to note that LSD is not transmissible to humans. The disease can be transmitted by blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and horseflies, as well as contaminated feed or water. The spread of LSD to Germany constitutes a new threat to the country, as the disease has previously been prevalent in Africa and the Middle East.
In response to the potential threat, immediate protective and surveillance zones are necessary once the disease occurs. If there's any suspicion of Lumpy Skin Disease, the responsible veterinary office should be informed immediately.
The Tour de France had to reroute to avoid spreading the disease through a contaminated area in Savoie, France, highlighting the need for swift and effective action to control the spread of LSD. As the situation evolves, it's crucial that affected regions and neighbouring countries continue to monitor the situation closely and take coordinated actions to prevent the further spread of this disease.
Economic and social policy regarding the Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak in Western Europe might include additional funding for the healthcare sector to mitigate potential economic damage, particularly in dairy production, as well as support for affected farmers.
In the context of health-and-wellness initiatives, scientific research on the disease, including its origins, prevention methods, and potential treatments, should be prioritized to better understand and manage the virus.
