The Hérault prefecture lifted restrictions on cattle movement Friday, February 20, 2026, following improvements in sanitary conditions related to the contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC) outbreak. The decision, announced by Prefect Chantal Mauchet, ends a zone established in December 2025 after the disease was detected in Pomas, according to a statement released by the prefecture.
The lifting of the regulated zone affects 18 communes within the Hérault department. While cattle movements are now permitted, they will be subject to a controlled procedure. Each transport requires a sanitary pass issued by the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) of Hérault, with applications available online, as detailed by the prefecture.
The outbreak and subsequent restrictions had caused financial hardship for local farmers. Jérôme Clarissac, an Aubrac cattle farmer in Le Caylar, described an estimated 8,000 euros in losses to Prefect Mauchet during a visit on January 12, 2026, stemming from the urgent sale of calves at a reduced price. Clarissac, who manages a herd of 100 cattle, too noted that government aid of 4,500 euros per exploitation did not fully offset the losses.
Prefect Mauchet had previously indicated efforts to vaccinate a significant portion of the bovine population. As of mid-January 2026, more than half of the cattle in the Hérault department had been vaccinated, with a goal of reaching 75% of the animals across 95% of farms, according to a statement reported by La Marseillaise.
The initial establishment of the regulated zone followed the detection of a DNC outbreak in the neighboring department of Aude. The restrictions were implemented to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease, which affects cattle.