Spain Confirms First Contagious Nodular Dermatitis Case in Ongoing EU Outbreak
Spain has confirmed the first case of contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC) in the current European outbreak, as France reports 67 outbreaks and Italy 47. The disease is not transmissible to humans, but it poses a serious threat to cattle and some wild ruminants. Early verification by veterinary authorities is helping to shape targeted containment efforts across the affected region.
Where and how the case was confirmed
According to official sources, the diagnosis was established through tests carried out at the Laboratorio Veterinario Central de Algete, near Madrid. In response, the Generalitat (the Government of Catalonia) activated a package of measures to contain the outbreak, including strict controls around the location where the disease was detected to prevent its spread to neighboring farms and pastures.
Understanding contagious nodular dermatitis (DNC)
DNC is a viral disease that affects cattle and certain wild ruminants, such as water buffalo. The virus is primarily transmitted by vectors—flies, mosquitoes, and ticks—as well as by direct contact between infected and healthy animals. Indirect transmission via contaminated water and feed is also possible, underscoring the need for comprehensive biosecurity in affected areas.
Symptoms and impact on livestock
The most common clinical signs include fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, ocular-nasal discharge, and reduced milk production. Affected animals may develop nodules or swellings on the skin. Mortality associated with DNC is typically around 10%, and there is currently no curative treatment. In the European Union, vaccination against DNC is prohibited except in clearly defined emergency situations, which are carefully regulated at the EU level.
Regulatory status and regional context
DNC is a notifiable disease, meaning suspected and confirmed cases must be reported promptly to veterinary authorities. Portugal’s Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) notes that, based on current surveillance data, Portugal remains free of DNC. This status highlights the importance of cross-border monitoring and rapid information sharing among EU member states to prevent wider spread.
Implications for farming, trade, and animal health policy
Farmers in affected zones are advised to tighten biosecurity, isolate suspicious animals, and restrict movements of livestock and equipment in and out of the area. Routine cleaning, disinfection, and monitoring of vectors such as flies can help reduce transmission risk. While DNC is not a risk to human health, outbreaks can disrupt trade, lead to culling in some instances, and impact dairy and meat production. The EU continues to issue guidelines for containment, surveillance, and, when warranted, emergency responses.
What Portugal and the EU are watching next
Authorities in Portugal and other EU member states will maintain heightened surveillance, conduct targeted testing, and coordinate with neighboring regions to monitor any new detections. Given the role of vectors in transmission, environmental management and insect control are integral to containment. If the situation escalates, EU agencies may adjust emergency measures, including movement restrictions and enhanced reporting requirements.
Looking ahead
Experts emphasize that DNC does not pose a threat to human health, but it remains a significant burden for cattle industries. The focus will be on early detection, rapid response, and sustained biosecurity across farms and herds. For Portugal, continued vigilance remains essential to preserve its disease-free status and maintain safe livestock trade with other EU countries. Ongoing international cooperation will be critical to curbing spread and mitigating economic impacts on livestock producers.
