Following escalating protests, Agriculture Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced accelerated vaccination against contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC) on farms, mobilizing army veterinarians and denouncing ultra-left militants infiltrating farmer demonstrations. A new crisis meeting is set for Tuesday afternoon at Matignon.
During government questions on December 16, Sébastien Lecornu stressed the 'absolute urgency' to accelerate DNC vaccination on affected cattle farms, citing needs for more doses and logistical improvements. The government will deploy army veterinarians to assist.
This follows a morning Matignon meeting where Lecornu pushed for department-specific vaccination strategies, stricter controls on banned animal transports, aid for small farms, and tailored repopulation in Occitanie. A 5:30 p.m. videoconference with ministers and prefects is planned.
Protests against DNC management—building on prior blockades and demonstrations like the Millau manure action ahead of Annie Genevard's Occitanie visit—continue, with roads still blocked. Lecornu defended expanding vaccination in the South-West to 600,000-1 million bovines as a protocol adjustment, upholding slaughter, vaccination, and movement curbs as the three pillars. A new scientific dialogue cell with experts starts Tuesday.
Lecornu condemned 40-50 ultra-left militants infiltrating protests with 'weapons by destination,' rejecting violence. On Mercosur, Emmanuel Macron informed EU leaders the deal inadequately protects French farmers; France seeks a 2026 vote delay, rejected by Brussels.
