Publication Jean-Marc Sabatier - researcher at CNRS
The contagious nodular dermatitis (CND) of cattle is a viral disease caused by a Capripoxvirus, close to the smallpox viruses (ovine and caprine). The main transmission vectors are mosquitoes, horseflies, and biting flies.
To a lesser extent, viral transmission can occur through secretions and skin lesions. The viral incubation period is generally 4 to 14 days (up to 28 days). The disease manifests as the appearance of nodules and skin lesions (and mucous membranes), edema, and weight loss in animals. The virus is currently present in Africa, Asia (China, India, etc.), the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. And now in France!
SYSTEMATIC culling of cows due to contagious nodular dermatitis can be seen as a scandal for several reasons, which are scientific, ethical, economic, and sanitary.
The disease is benign in most cases (and rarely fatal): the mortality rate is often less than 1%, even without treatment. In most cases, infected cows recover spontaneously within a few weeks. Skin lesions may be spectacular but are not severe in most cases.
The virus is not zoonotic (it does not transmit from animals to humans): no case of transmission to humans has ever been documented. Therefore, there is no risk to human public health (CND only affects cattle);
"Alternative" measures exist, such as temporary isolation of sick animals, combined symptomatic treatments (for example, a combination of Ivermectin, antibiotics, and painkillers).
Source regarding the existence of Jean-Marc Sabatier - researcher at CNRS: https://academie-medicale-du-jeune.fr/actualite_amj/conference-de-jean-marc-sabatier-le-17-03-aspects-scientifiques-du-jeune-comment-le-systeme-renine-angiotensine-controle-le-metabolisme/