Italy: Sardinia LSD Outbreaks Continue to Disrupt Cattle Movements

Two Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreaks in Sardinia are continuing to create significant disruption for cattle producers, with movement and sales restrictions affecting livestock farms across large parts of the Italian island.

The first outbreak, in Escalaplano, remains active after LSD virus was confirmed in early June. The farmer has appealed the planned culling of the affected herd, with a decision from Sardinia’s Regional Administrative Court (TAR) potentially expected in early autumn.

A second outbreak in Samugheo has been declared extinct after the infected herd was culled, but a safety zone remains in force, continuing to restrict cattle movements.

According to Confagricoltura, veterinary authorities appear to have the epidemiological situation under control, but the prolonged restrictions are creating increasing economic and financial pressure on livestock businesses. Farmers face difficulties selling or moving cattle, while animals retained on farms continue to generate feeding and management costs.

The Sardinia situation illustrates a key economic consequence of livestock disease control: even when outbreak numbers remain geographically limited, movement controls can transmit the financial impact across a much wider production network.

Animal-health takeaway: Effective LSD control requires not only rapid detection, vaccination and vector management, but also carefully calibrated movement policies that protect disease-free areas while limiting unnecessary disruption to livestock markets.