The third-to-last stage of this year’s Tour de France was unexpectedly shortened due to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease – an unusual twist that brought the world’s most famous cycling race and largest single spectator event into contact with the challenges of agriculture.
By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Tour organisers confirmed that Stage 19, which was due to run from Albertville to La Plagne on Friday, had been shortened from almost 130km to 95km. Two of the five planned mountain passes – including the famous Col des Saisies – were cut from the route after infected cattle were reported in the region.
According to a statement from the organisers, ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation), the decision was made after an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in a herd of cattle near Col des Saisies. The viral disease, which is transmitted by biting insects, causes lumps and sores on the animal’s skin, fever and reduced milk production – and it can have serious economic consequences for livestock farmers.
The infected herd was quarantined under French biosecurity measures and the decision to adjust the route was made in conjunction with local authorities. “In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville-La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the Col des Saisies,” ASO said in a statement.
The stage started about an hour later than planned, with cyclists bypassing the Cote d’Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies and rejoining the original route near Beaufort.
While such interventions are rare in international sport, the incident highlighted the fragile relationship between agriculture, disease control and public events. It is also a reminder of the impact livestock diseases can have even beyond the boundaries of agriculture – in this case, even on the world’s most prestigious cycling race.
Also read: Lumpy skin disease – what you need to know
More About Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease is caused by the lumpy skin virus, which is part of the Capripoxvirus family. The disease is mostly transmitted by biting insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, and often occurs in warmer months or during wet seasons.
It causes lumps or lesions on the skin, especially on the neck, back and groin, fever, swollen lymph nodes, reduced milk production, weight loss and sometimes infertility or miscarriages.
Lumpy skin disease is a notifiable disease in South Africa in terms of the Animal Health Act (Act 7 of 2002), and livestock owners are obliged to report any suspicions of it to the State Veterinarian immediately. Vaccination plays an important role in preventing outbreaks.
