Restrictions on the transport of animals
As announced by the Paris Ministry of Agriculture on August 1, the mentioned animal species will be allowed to leave the special zone only if, within two weeks before transport, they have been subjected to an insecticide treatment to eliminate parasites and have tested negative for the BTV-3 virus. This means that shipments to EU Member States and third countries that place emphasis on healthy animals or vaccinations are no longer possible.
The vaccine has been ordered
The requirements apply to an area within 150 kilometers of the last outbreak of the disease in Belgium. According to the French Ministry of Agriculture, this information was received on July 29 from the Walloon commune of Chimay. On the French side, all departments on the border are included, and the special zone extends almost to the gates of the capital.
France has already ordered a vaccine against BTV-3 and details of the campaign will be announced soon.
Farmers expect government support
Meanwhile, the small farmers' association Confédération Paysanne (Conf) has called on Paris to provide more support to farmers in the fight against serotype 8 (BTV-8), which is already spreading in the country. According to the association, the disease is causing enormous damage in the Pyrenees catchment area. Due to mortality and loss of productivity, cattle breeders have suffered losses that threaten their existence.
According to Conf's opinion, the state should compensate farmers for damages and cover the costs of vaccination. The association also wants the disease to be recognized as a case of force majeure so that further support can be provided under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
