Spain Confirms First Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak in Catalonia, Initiates Culling Measures

First Case Detected in Girona

Spain has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (DNC), a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle. The initial focus was identified on a farm located in Castelló d'Empúries, within the Alt Empordà comarca of Girona, Catalonia. The alert was activated on October 1, 2025, with official confirmation communicated on October 3, 2025, following analysis by the Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria de Algete in Madrid.

The affected farm housed a census of 123 heifers, all of which have been culled as part of immediate eradication efforts. This measure aligns with established European protocols for controlling such outbreaks. The Conseller de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimentación de Cataluña, Òscar Ordeig, held a press conference to detail the situation and the actions being taken.

Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease (DNC)

Lumpy Skin Disease, or Dermatosis Nodular Contagiosa (DNC), is a viral disease caused by a virus from the Poxviridae family, Capripoxvirus genus. It exclusively affects bovine animals, including cattle and water buffalo. The disease manifests with symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Nodules on the skin
• Lesions on mucous membranes and internal organs
• Emaciation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Cutaneous edema

In some cases, it can lead to the death of the animal. DNC is primarily transmitted through insect vectors like flies, ticks, horseflies, and mosquitoes, though direct contact between animals can also facilitate its spread. Importantly, authorities emphasize that DNC does not pose a risk to human health, as it is not transmissible to people through direct contact with infected animals or the consumption of their products. However, it carries significant economic implications due to reduced production, particularly in dairy cows.

Vigorous Control and Biosecurity Measures

Upon confirmation of the outbreak, Spanish authorities immediately activated comprehensive control and biosecurity protocols. These measures include the isolation of the affected farm and strict restriction of animal movements in the surrounding areas. A crucial step involves the sanitary emptying of the affected farm, which entails the elimination of all 123 culled animals and the destruction of potentially contaminated products such as carcasses, milk, hides, manure, and feed.

Furthermore, an extensive epidemiological investigation is underway to trace the origin of the infection and identify any potential contacts. This investigation has already revealed epidemiological links to two other nearby farms, one with 255 heifers and another with 821 dairy cows, which are now under close veterinary scrutiny. To contain the spread, a 20-kilometer protection zone and a broader 50-kilometer surveillance zone have been established around the initial focus. Within these zones, approximately 800 farms and 93,000 head of cattle have been immobilized for systematic clinical inspections. The Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación has urged all bovine farms to reinforce biosecurity measures and report any suspicious symptoms immediately to official veterinary services.

European Context and Ongoing Vigilance

The emergence of DNC in Spain follows a period of heightened alert, as the disease had already been detected in other European countries. Prior to Spain's first case, France had reported 67 (or 79) foci and Italy had confirmed 47 (or 65) foci. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture had previously warned of a 'very high risk' of the disease entering the country. The rapid implementation of control measures aims to prevent the widespread establishment of DNC within Spain's bovine population, safeguarding animal health and the agricultural economy.