October 29, 2025

Spain halts live cattle exports amid lumpy skin disease outbreak 

Agriculture Minister Luis Planas announced that Spain has temporarily suspended live cattle exports following an outbreak of the highly contagious lumpy skin disease.

Lumpy skin disease is a virus spread by insects that affects cattle and buffalo, causing blisters and reducing milk production. It does not pose a risk to humans but often leads to trade restrictions and severe economic losses.

"We have temporarily suspended exports of live animals to prevent the spread of the disease; France has done the same," Planas said.

France imposed a similar ban on cattle exports and events such as bullfighting on Friday.

The Spanish outbreak was detected on a farm with 123 dairy heifers near Girona in the northeast, after three animals showed symptoms on October 1.

-      Reuters