Besançon, France – December 6, 2025 – Facing mounting farmer discontent, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard toured farms in the Doubs region today following the controversial total culling of cattle herds impacted by Dermatophilosis in Cattle (DNC), a skin disease affecting livestock. While expressing empathy for breeders facing devastating losses, Genevard affirmed the government’s position that complete herd elimination remains the sole effective strategy to contain the outbreak.
The policy,requiring the slaughter of entire herds even when only some animals show symptoms,has ignited fierce opposition from farming unions who argue for option approaches. Christian Convers, of the Rural Coordination of Savoie, who traveled to besançon to voice concerns, stated, “We don’t have a problem with killing sick animals.On the other hand, killing healthy animals realy poses a problem for us.” The situation is further complicated by delays in promised compensation payments,with some farmers reporting only partial funds received months after initial losses. “we were affected in July, the cattle compensation, it is not yet all done. There was only a deposit paid and the operating loss compensation is not there,” Convers added.
Genevard’s visit included meetings with union representatives at the prefecture and a farm visit in Saules. She is also scheduled to meet with Céline and Cédric Lhomme, whose herd was culled on December 2nd, amidst a backdrop of farmer mobilization and a police presence.
Christophe Chambon, president of FRSEA Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, was present for the discussions. The minister’s visit comes as the DNC outbreak continues to threaten the livelihoods of livestock farmers in the region.
Two information meetings regarding DNC are scheduled for local farmers: Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. at the Micropolis exhibition center in Besançon, and Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. at the CARÉ business center in Baume-les-Dames.
The outbreak and the government’s response are being reported by France 3 Franche Comté, with contributions from Emmanuel Rivallain and Florence Petit.
