French Farmers Protest After 200 Cattle Culled for Single Disease Case

French farmers held new protests in the country's southwest on December 16. The demonstrations follow the forced slaughter of an entire herd of over 200 cattle. The cull happened after just one cow tested positive for a disease called nodular dermatitis, also known as lumpy skin disease. This virus causes skin lesions and fever in cattle but does not affect humans. Farmers say the destruction of the whole herd is a drastic overreaction. They argue it highlights a deeper crisis in French agriculture. The protests occur amid high tensions between farmers and the government. A major point of conflict is a proposed trade deal between the European Union and South American nations, known as the Mercosur agreement. French farmers have opposed this deal for 25 years, fearing it will allow cheaper imported meat that undercuts their products. The EU is now pushing to finalize the agreement, further angering the agricultural sector.