France appears to have effectively dealt with the contagious nodular dermatosis epidemic, with Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard confirming that there have been no reported cases since January 2. The situation has allowed the government to lift most regulatory zones associated with the disease, apart from a small area in the Pyrénées-Orientales, which is still under observation due to a case in Spain. The positive news comes just in time for the country's Agricultural Show, highlighting a potential return to normalcy for affected farmers.

The minister emphasized that the measures taken, including strict protocols, have proven successful in controlling the outbreak. However, she acknowledged that vigilance remains essential, as the disease still requires monitoring despite the lack of new cases. The end of the epidemic marks a significant turning point for the agricultural sector in France, which has faced challenges over the past months due to this health crisis.

Genevard's management of the outbreak faced criticism due to the drastic measures implemented, which included the systematic culling of infected livestock. This approach, while effective in controlling the disease, has drawn concern from animal rights activists and farmers who fear long-term impacts on livestock populations. As restrictions ease, the focus will shift towards recovery and addressing the fallout of the epidemic on the farming community.