For farmers in Rennes, the annual SPACE livestock show is more than just an event; it’s a showcase of dedication, hard work, and genetic excellence. But this year, the atmosphere at <<Parc des Expositions>> was heavy with anxiety. As one organizer put it, this is an “unprecedented and anxiety-inducing situation” driven by an explosion of animal diseases that threaten to disrupt the show and, more importantly, the livelihoods of farmers.
The main culprits behind this crisis are a series of viral outbreaks sweeping across France. The most prominent is Bluetongue (Fièvre Catarrhale Ovine), a disease that causes fever, lameness, and a drop in milk production, and has hit Brittany and Normandy particularly hard. In addition, farmers are also dealing with the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (MHE), and in the Alps, an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease has forced groups of farmers to pull out of the show. All of these diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, making them a difficult challenge to contain as climate change alters their habitats.
The consequences are immediate and far-reaching. To ensure the safety of all animals, organizers have mandated strict PCR tests, leading to a dramatic drop in attendance. This isn’t just a loss for the show; it’s a financial blow to farmers. The lack of a “showcase” for their top-quality livestock is especially felt by foreign delegations. As the article notes, many African buyers rely on this event to select genetics variants for their own herds. With fewer animals on display, these vital transactions which support global food security are now at risk.
