Lumpy Skin Disease Threatens European Cattle – Swiss Alps Access Restricted

Until a few years ago, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was a concern limited to Asia and Africa. Although, in June 2025, the first cases appeared in Sardinia and France, near the Swiss border. Due to this escalating threat, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) has decided to prohibit Swiss cattle from accessing the Alps in France this summer, citing a high risk of disease introduction.

What is Lumpy Skin Disease?

Lumpy Skin Disease, or skin nodule disease, is characterized by the development of nodules anywhere on the body of affected animals. These nodules contain a significant amount of viral material. The disease affects cattle, buffalo, and bison, causing high fever and skin lumps. While infected cows may experience reduced milk production, the disease is rarely fatal to the animals themselves and poses no risk to human health.

How is the Disease Spread?

The virus is primarily spread by blood-sucking insects, such as stable flies. When a fly feeds on an infected animal, the virus adheres to its mouthparts and can then be transmitted to the next animal during its next feeding. Infected animals can also directly transmit the virus to each other, particularly through the fluid released from the characteristic skin lumps, which can burst or fall off.

How Did the Disease Reach Central Europe?

The exact pathway of the disease’s arrival in Central Europe remains unclear. There is currently no evidence to suggest the disease was introduced through the transport of infected cattle. One theory under investigation is wind dispersal, a mechanism already known to facilitate the spread of other insect-borne diseases.

What Would Happen if LSD Reached Switzerland?

Should a case of LSD be detected in Switzerland, strict measures would be immediately implemented. The affected farm would be quarantined, and all susceptible animals on the premises would be culled. A protection zone with a 20-kilometer radius and a surveillance zone extending 50 kilometers would be established around the infected farm. Within these zones, animal markets would be banned, and all cattle would be vaccinated. These rigorous steps are mandated by the Swiss Epidemic Ordinance, which classifies LSD as a highly contagious animal disease.

Economic Consequences of an Outbreak

The potential economic impact of a major LSD outbreak in Switzerland is substantial, though tough to quantify precisely. The Federal Office of Agriculture and Swissmilk, the industry organization, anticipate significant economic damage. Loss of Switzerland’s “disease-free” status could lead to trade restrictions with countries that currently import raw milk products from Switzerland. Swissmilk also foresees potential downward pressure on milk prices.

Vaccination Strategy

While vaccination is a potential control measure, widespread vaccination across Switzerland would result in the loss of its disease-free status and the associated economic repercussions. Switzerland currently employs a targeted vaccination strategy, vaccinating only as much as necessary and as little as possible, primarily within existing vaccination zones in western Switzerland. Booster vaccinations are scheduled for all cattle, buffalo, and bison in these zones by the end of spring 2026.

Increasing Risk of Animal Diseases

The risk of animal diseases has been increasing across Europe in recent years. This trend is attributed to factors such as globalization – increased travel and trade of goods and animals – and global warming, which is facilitating the emergence of new insect species capable of transmitting epidemics. Currently, Switzerland has a red warning level in place for both Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever.