France’s cattle-zone easing makes health documentation a slaughter-planning requirement

Since 19 October, the French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté have moved from vaccination zone II to vaccination zone I for lumpy skin disease. The regional animal-health federation FRGDS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes reports that the French Ministry of Agriculture confirmed European Commission authorisation. The change alters movement conditions and is therefore relevant to cattle farming, live-animal trade and slaughter planning.

The development does not mean that health requirements have disappeared. The regional information states that vaccination remains compulsory until 31 December 2026 and that a prohibition will apply from 1 January 2027. Movement rules must also be checked according to territory and destination, while FRGDS itself directs operators to veterinarians and departmental authorities for specific regulatory questions.

For the meat chain, the core point is operational: a more open status does not free animal flows from documentation and prior verification. Vaccination status, the required declaration or certificate, clinical examination where applicable, and origin traceability must be available before transport, purchase or slaughter are scheduled. Otherwise, an animal that is suitable in production terms may not be movable under animal-health rules.