France Secures Bluetongue Vaccines to Protect Livestock, Launches Emergency Vaccination Plan

The French government has announced emergency measures to combat bluetongue disease by securing scarce vaccines for serotypes 1 and 8, ensuring protection for cattle and sheep herds by 2025. The move comes as Europe faces vaccine shortages, prompting France to intervene as a "health guarantor" to stabilize supply.

Vaccination Strategy Against Bluetongue Serotypes

To prevent the spread of serotype 1, currently present in Spain, France will establish a sanitary cordon by vaccinating livestock in eight departments: Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes, Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne, Ariège, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales.

For serotype 8, responsible for high sheep mortality in 2024, the government has ordered 7 million doses to protect mainland France’s sheep population. Widespread vaccination will also help reduce viral circulation, indirectly safeguarding all ruminants.

All state-procured vaccines will be distributed free of charge to breeders starting summer 2025 through their veterinarians.

This emergency action aligns with France’s Animal Health Conference, launched in January 2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. The conference, which brought together over 200 health stakeholders, aims to strengthen disease resilience and adapt policies to emerging epidemics.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with farmers and industry leaders to curb disease spread and mitigate economic impacts.