The exhibition in Paris could not be secured against infection.
Cows will not participate in the Paris International Agricultural Show for the first time since its inception in 1964.
Cows are unofficially considered the "stars" of the agricultural fair, which takes place annually in Paris. They attract visitors and generate income for breeders who hope to win prizes or sell their best bulls and heifers. Several hundred heads of cattle traditionally occupy a large portion of the vast Hall 1 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Due to outbreaks of bovine viral diarrhea, the movement of cattle within regions of the country is prohibited. Agricultural chambers, which usually showcase cows of famous breeds such as Charolais, Limousin, and Holstein, have withdrawn from the competition.
The organizers of the fair, which will take place in Paris from February 21 to March 1, stated that they still hope for at least a "limited and symbolic" presence of cattle in the form of "a small number of animals, in a flexible manner, fully compliant with health requirements."
The organizers also clarified that "other animals will be presented," referring to pigs, sheep, rabbits, cats, dogs, horses, and donkeys. However, poultry will still be absent: it has been missing from the exhibition for several years due to avian influenza.
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