Switzerland intends to vaccinate cattle in the Canton of Geneva against Lumpy Skin Disease.
On 29 June 2025, the first case of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in a cattle farm in Savoy was confirmed in France for the first time.
The disease affects cattle, buffalo and bison and is transmitted mainly through the bites of flies and mosquitoes.
Due to its geographic proximity, the Canton of Geneva falls within the surveillance zone established by France. France has decided to vaccinate all cattle in the surveillance zone in order to prevent further spread of the disease. To prevent an outbreak in Switzerland, Switzerland also intends to vaccinate all susceptible animal species in the Canton of Geneva. Lumpy Skin Disease poses no risk to humans. No case of LSD has yet been recorded in Switzerland.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, buffalo and bison. It is transmitted mainly through the bites of flies and mosquitoes and leads to significant economic losses. It poses no risk to humans. It is not transmissible either directly or through food.
Since 2015, there have been repeated outbreaks in south-eastern Europe. On 22 June it was detected for the first time in Italy, and on 29 June 2025 in a cattle farm in Savoy, France.
Preventive vaccination of all cattle in the Canton of Geneva to contain the disease
Following the case in Savoy, France has established a protection zone with a radius of 20 km and a surveillance zone with a radius of 50 km around the affected farm, which also includes the canton of Geneva. Within the surveillance zone, animal movement is restricted and veterinary inspections are being carried out more frequently. To further protect animals in these zones and contain the spread of the disease, both France and Switzerland intend to vaccinate cattle within these zones. In Switzerland, this currently affects the area of the canton of Geneva. The FSVO has therefore, in consultation with the canton of Geneva, initiated all steps to procure vaccine to protect cattle as quickly as possible.
No Swiss case of LSD is currently known. The FSVO continues to monitor the situation closely and will take all necessary measures in close cooperation with the cantonal veterinary services to prevent the spread of the disease and protect animal health in Switzerland.
Lumpy Skin Disease
In Switzerland, Lumpy Skin Disease is classified as a highly contagious animal disease and is transmitted by flies and mosquitoes. The disease initially causes fever, which can rise above 41°C. After an incubation period of 4 to 20 days, painful nodules appear all over the body. These are frequently accompanied by non-specific symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal and ocular discharge, and less commonly by oedemas and enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Completely protecting animals from flies and mosquitoes is virtually impossible. Physical barriers and the use of insecticides and repellents can help reduce the number of flies and mosquitoes in the barn and in the animals’ surroundings. It is also recommended to remove standing water, as this provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Animal keepers are obliged to report suspected cases immediately to a veterinarian. The disease poses no risk to humans: it is neither transmissible to people, nor does the consumption of products from infected animals present a health risk. Currently, no vaccine against this animal disease is authorised in Switzerland; however, the FSVO is working to enable the planned vaccination in the canton of Geneva to be carried out as quickly as possible.
