French President Emmanuel Macron has opened the annual Paris International Agricultural Show on Saturday, but for the first time ever it's without cattle following an outbreak of lumpy skin disease. Two of France's farming unions are also boycotting the usual meeting with the president.
The Paris agricultural show is the largest in Europe. But for the first time since its creation in 1964 cows have been banned after an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in France sparked fears of contamination, according to organisers.
Another difference this year is that two French unions – Coordination Rurale and Confédération Paysanne – are boycotting the traditional meeting with the president to draw attention to the difficulties faced by farmers due to economic pressures and concerns over the EU's trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc.
The unions will still hold stands at the fair.
French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard announced Friday that France had now lifted most of the curbs that were imposed on moving cattle to stop the spread of lumpy skin disease.
"Since we have had no cases of lumpy skin disease since January 2 (...) we are lifting all restrictions except for a very small area in the Pyrenees-Orientales, which is linked to a case in Spain," Genevard told France Inter radio.
"This means that we can return to normal life, that we can trade again, that we can move these animals again," she said.
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'Cautious' farmers
Highly contagious, lumpy skin disease is spread mainly by biting insects. It causes fever and painful skin lumps, weakens animals and reduces milk output.
France has recorded 117 outbreaks, primarily in areas near the Alps and the southwest.
Organisers of the Paris International Agricultural Show announced their decision to ban cattle from this year's fair last month, citing concerns about the disease.
"The farmers have chosen to be cautious. I understand them, I respect them," Genevard said, referring to the decision.
The 500 to 600 cattle usually present at the Paris Agriculture Fair are a major attraction at the annual event, which draws about 600,000 people, and are popular with children eager to see farm animals up close.
The government's handling of the outbreak, which included culling entire herds in contaminated areas, has been criticised by some French farmers. Anger over the issue was among the drivers of protests in Paris last month.
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France has been the European country most affected by lumpy skin disease, though outbreaks have also been reported in Italy and Spain.
(with newswires)
