Overview of the Catalonia outbreak
The Catalan government has confirmed the first case of contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC) in the region, with initial diagnostics performed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Algete, Madrid. The confirmation comes amid reports from France and Italy noting dozens of outbreaks in their territories, underscoring the disease’s presence across parts of Europe. Notably, DNC does not pose a risk to human health, but it can have serious consequences for livestock industries.
What is contagious nodular dermatitis?
Contagious nodular dermatitis is a viral disease affecting cattle and certain wild ruminants, including water buffalo. Transmission occurs primarily through vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, but direct contact between sick and healthy animals also plays a key role. Indirect transmission through contaminated water and feed is possible, expanding the avenues for spread within herds and across farms.
Current status and response in Catalonia
The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food of the Catalan government announced that the outbreak is under close surveillance. Authorities have activated a series of measures to constrain movement and isolate the affected area, aiming to minimize spillover to neighboring agricultural holdings. The outbreak response aligns with regional and national strategies to monitor disease spread and protect livestock health.
Symptoms and impact on production
Typical signs of DNC include fever, reduced appetite, excessive salivation, ocular and nasal discharge, and a drop in milk yield. Lesions may appear as nodules or swellings on affected animals. While the disease has a mortality rate around 10%, there is no curative treatment available. In the European Union, vaccination against DNC is generally prohibited, except in emergency scenarios; prevention and control thus rely on surveillance, biosecurity, and movement controls.
European context and vaccination policy
France has reported multiple outbreaks—67 in total—while Italy has recorded 47, highlighting regional vigilance across Europe. The EU’s stance on vaccination reflects a precautionary approach, restricting vaccination to emergency use to preserve trade and minimize risks of vaccines affecting surveillance and diagnostic accuracy.
Portugal’s status and regional preparedness
According to Portugal’s Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), the disease is viral and can affect cattle and certain wild ruminants. Portugal currently maintains a status as a country free of DNC, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance, rapid reporting, and adherence to animal health protocols to maintain its disease-free status.
What this means for farmers and the industry
Farmers within and near the affected area should enhance biosecurity measures, monitor herds closely for clinical signs, and report suspicious cases promptly. Authorities emphasize controlled movement of animals and quarantines when necessary to prevent spread. While DNC does not infect humans, the economic impact from production losses and trade restrictions can be significant for livestock communities.
Looking ahead
Continued coordination among regional health authorities, veterinarians, and farmers will be essential to contain the outbreak. As the Catalan response unfolds, updates from the DGAV and other European veterinary services will inform best practices and help sustain a disease-free status in countries like Portugal.
