Spain’s agriculture ministry said on Tuesday that it has requested authorisation from the European Commission to broaden its cattle vaccination programme following the nation’s first confirmed case of lumpy skin disease, a highly contagious viral infection.
The initial outbreak was identified earlier this month on a dairy farm in the Girona province of Catalonia, close to the French border, after several cows displayed tell-tale symptoms.
In response, Spanish authorities culled the affected livestock and began vaccinating animals within a 50-kilometre radius of the site. ALSO READ: Spain culls over 120 cattle after first outbreak of lumpy skin disease.
According to the ministry, 18 outbreaks of the disease have now been recorded in the province. The illness causes painful skin lesions and can significantly reduce milk yields in cattle.
Given the spread, the ministry has asked Brussels to authorise an extension of the vaccination campaign to other parts of Catalonia as well as to the neighbouring region of Aragon.
Before deployment, the European Commission must give formal approval to the vaccine to ensure compliance with EU safety standards and avoid any trade or legal complications.
The ministry said vaccines valued at €660,000 have already been procured under emergency measures to support the plan and maintain a reserve supply.
Lumpy skin disease, transmitted mainly through insect bites, is widespread in North Africa. Although it poses no risk to humans, it frequently results in trade restrictions and substantial economic losses for farmers.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
📢España ha propuesto a la Comisión Europea ampliar la vacunación de emergencia contra la dermatosis nodular contagiosa a nuevas comarcas de Cataluña y Aragón
Toda la información aquí. 📲 https://t.co/DfngXzfQOW pic.twitter.com/BQzJRCWY2m
— Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (@gobmapa) October 28, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.