Annie Genevard defended the French government’s containment strategy for Lumpy Skin Disease on national television and in meetings with breeders in Toulouse, saying depopulation, vaccination and movement restrictions remain the pillars endorsed by veterinarians and scientific advisers.Genevard added that the situation is under control, that “the farmers are making serious and well-considered proposals. We will listen, observe and consult,” and that ministers will not reverse policy before reviewing scientific advice while rapidly expanding vaccination and compensation programmes.Protests in the south-west, where farmers have blocked roads, driven tractors to prefectures and set piles of tires on fire, reflect deep anger among unions and producers over mass culling orders and demands for lighter protocols and increased support.