emergency measures announced in the face of epizootics

Visiting the Tarn, the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, announced this Monday, November 4, a series of emergency measures to support breeders faced with epizootics, these diseases which currently affect many livestock farms. Faced with the spread of bluetongue (BFT3), it notably ordered the purchase of two million additional vaccines and announced the holding, from January 2025, of the “Animal Health Conference” to better anticipate future crises.

While bluetongue serotype 3 (FCO3) is progressing rapidly in France, endangering cattle and sheep farms, the Minister of Agriculture, Annie Genevard, went to Tarn to reaffirm her support for breeders and announce emergency measures. In response to the evolution of the epizootic, she ordered an “imperative emergency” order for two million doses of additional vaccines, thus completing the state stock already constituted since July 2024. With this new order, the stock is expected to reach a total of 11.7 million doses.

Emergency measures announced in Tarn

The minister underlined the importance of health sovereignty in the current context, recalling that the rapid availability of vaccines is essential to slow the progression of animal diseases. “Our strategy is evolving to monitor the evolution of the disease as closely as possible and protect our breeders’ animals,” declared Annie Genevard. She specified that this new order is part of a logic of anticipation, in order to compensate for a possible shortage of vaccines and to allow free distribution to breeders.

In addition to emergency measures, Annie Genevard also announced the launch of the “Animal Health Conference” from January 2025 to fight against animal diseases. The mission of these meetings will be to establish a plan for the prevention and management of animal health crises in consultation with stakeholders in the sector. The objective is to further anticipate future epizootics by relying on feedback from breeders, veterinarians and health experts.

By taking into account the lessons learned from the FCO3 crisis, the ministry hopes to establish more effective and sustainable prevention systems to better protect breeders and their animals.