Bovine Nodular Dermatosis: new restricted zones in Spain 2026

Key data

Livestock farmers and operators in the cattle sector in Spain located in areas affected by contagious bovine nodular dermatosis (BND) have new operational restrictions from 24 April 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/924 amends Annex II of Decision 2025/2248, updating the map of zones with animal and product movement restrictions.

This is not a brand new regulation: it is an amendment to emergency measures already in force, which now expands or adjusts the affected geographical zones. If your farm or transport routes are in any of those zones, the obligations are immediate.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/924 has a specific objective: to update the list of Spanish geographical zones where emergency measures are applied against infection by the contagious bovine nodular dermatosis virus (BND). This viral disease affects exclusively cattle and can cause serious economic losses in the sector.

The regulation amends the Annex II of Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2248, which is the document that geographically delimits the restricted zones. The rest of the regulatory framework of Decision 2025/2248 remains in force.

The key elements regulated by this decision are:

• Restricted geographical zones: Update of the map of zones in Spain subject to movement controls. The specific zones are defined in the amended Annex II.
• Cattle movements: Transfers of live animals from or to restricted zones are subject to strict controls and veterinary authorization.
• Animal products: Bovine semen and other animal products from affected zones are also under restriction.
• Immediate application: Spanish veterinary authorities must apply and communicate these updated measures immediately.

The amendment responds to the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Spain, adjusting the control zones to the current reality of the disease on the ground.

Economic and operational impact

Contagious bovine nodular dermatosis can cause serious economic losses in the cattle farming sector. Movement restrictions have a direct impact on the value chain of the sector:

• Blocking of sales and transfers: Farmers in restricted zones cannot move animals freely. Any transfer requires prior authorization, which slows down commercial operations.
• Impact on intra-regional and international trade: Non-compliance with restrictions can result in blocking of commercial movements both within Spain and to other EU countries or third markets.
• Compliance costs: Operators must assume additional costs for document management, coordination with official veterinarians and possible delays in transfers.
• Risk of sanctions: Non-compliance with emergency measures may result in sanctions by the competent Spanish authorities.
• Impact on bovine semen: Farms that market bovine genetic material from affected zones also see their activity restricted.

Who does it affect?

This regulation directly affects all operators working with cattle or cattle products in the geographical zones included in the updated Annex II:

• Cattle farmers with farms in affected areas of Spain
• Livestock transporters operating routes that include restricted zones
• Operators of cattle collection and marketing centers
• Artificial insemination centers and bovine semen operators in affected zones
• Official and private veterinarians who must apply and certify compliance with measures
• Slaughterhouses and processing plants that receive animals from restricted zones
• Exporters of cattle or animal products from affected zones

Practical example

A farmer with a cattle farm located in a zone included in the updated Annex II of Decision 2025/2248 needs to transfer a batch of animals to a livestock market in another province.

Before Decision 2026/924, his zone may not have been included in the restrictions or may have been subject to different conditions. With the update of Annex II, if his municipality has been incorporated into the restricted zones, that transfer can no longer be carried out freely: it requires prior veterinary authorization, specific documentation and must comply with the controls established in Decision 2025/2248.

If he carries out the transfer without meeting these requirements, he is exposed to sanctions and blocking of his commercial movements, both within Spain and to other EU markets. The first action he should take is to verify with his veterinarian or with the regional veterinary authority whether his farm is within the updated zones in Annex II.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if the farm or route is in a restricted zone: Consult the updated Annex II of Decision 2025/2248 (amended by Decision 2026/924) to check if the municipality or area of activity is included. Contact the regional veterinary authority for official confirmation.
2. Stop unauthorized movements immediately: From 24 April 2026, any transfer of cattle, semen or other animal products from restricted zones requires prior authorization. Do not make movements without verifying compliance.
3. Coordinate with the official veterinarian: Spanish veterinary authorities are responsible for implementing these measures. Contact the official veterinarian to obtain the necessary documentation and authorizations for any movement.
4. Review contracts and commercial commitments: If there are pending contracts for the sale or transfer of animals or products, assess whether they may be affected by the new restrictions and communicate the situation to the counterparties.
5. Update internal protocols: Transporters and operators must update their procedures to include verification of restricted zone status before accepting or executing any movement of cattle or related products.
6. Document all compliance: Keep a record of authorizations, communications with veterinarians and controls performed, as support in case of inspections or claims.