France is struggling to contain a surge in cases of lumpy skin disease in cattle with a new outbreak found near the Spanish border, as the highly contagious virus sweeps across Western Europe for the first time.

Lumpy skin disease is a highly contagious virus spread by insects that affects cattle and buffalo, causing blisters and reducing milk production. It does not pose a risk to humans but often leads to trade restrictions and severe economic losses. Historically present in Africa and the Middle East, the disease expanded into South-eastern Europe in 2015 and Asia in 2019.

Western Europe's first outbreak occurred on Italy's Sardinia island in late June, followed by France. Spain reported a first case last week. France reported a sharp drop in outbreaks in late August after a mass vacc

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