Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1765 of 14 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified standard | Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1582 |
| Publication | 16 July 2026 |
| Entry into force | 14 July 2026 |
| Affected parties | Cattle farmers, veterinarians and bovine sector operators in the affected areas of Italy |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries — Animal Health |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202601765 — Notified with number C(2026) 5039 |
Cattle farmers and importers in the bovine sector in the affected areas of Italy have new obligations as of 14 July 2026. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1765 modifies the annexes of Decision 2025/1582, adjusting the map of zones restricted due to the presence of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), the nodular dermatosis that affects cattle and can cause serious economic losses in the sector.
This is not a brand new regulation: it is an update of the emergency measures already in force since 2025. What changes are the geographic annexes, that is, which specific zones in Italy fall within or outside the restriction perimeter. If your activity is carried out in Italy or involves the movement of cattle, animal products or genetic material originating from or destined for that country, you must verify whether your zone is now included.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/1765 modifies the annexes of Decision 2025/1582, which was the original regulation that established emergency measures against LSD in Italy. The July 2026 update does not change the general framework of the measures, but rather adjusts the geographic zones subject to restrictions, adapting them to the evolution of the disease on the ground.
| Element | Decision 2025/1582 (original) | Decision 2026/1765 (update) |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted geographic zones | Defined in the original 2025 annexes | Updated in the new July 2026 annexes |
| Framework of emergency measures | Fully established | Maintained without changes |
| Restrictions on movement | Animals, animal products and genetic material | Maintained; apply to the newly defined zones |
| Enforcement authority | Italian veterinary authorities | Maintained |
The restrictions in force in the affected zones cover three categories of movement:
- Live cattle: subject to reinforced controls to prevent virus spread.
- Animal products: originating in the restricted zones, subject to additional certification and control requirements.
- Genetic material: semen, eggs and cattle embryos from the affected zones, with specific movement restrictions.
The Italian veterinary authorities are responsible for implementing these measures and communicating them to sector operators. The European Commission acts as supervisor and may modify the annexes again if the epidemiological situation evolves.
Economic and operational impact
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that can cause serious economic losses in the cattle sector: animal mortality, reduced milk and meat production, veterinary costs and, above all, the blocking of commercial movements generated by the emergency regulation itself.
For operators in restricted zones, the operational impact is immediate:
- Paralysis or slowdown of movements: any transfer of animals, products or genetic material from or to restricted zones requires additional documentation and veterinary authorization.
- Certification and control costs: operators must bear the costs associated with the reinforced controls required by the regulation.
- Risk of commercial blockade: non-compliance with the measures may result in suspension of commercial movements, with the consequent impact on income and contracts.
- Administrative sanctions: non-compliance may result in sanctions, the specific amount of which depends on the applicable Italian legislation.
For operators outside the restricted zones that trade with Italy, the update of the annexes may mean that a previously free zone is now restricted, or vice versa. Verifying the current status of the zone of origin or destination is essential before any operation.
Who does it affect?
- Cattle farmers with farms in the zones of Italy defined in the updated annexes of Decision 2026/1765.
- Veterinarians and veterinary services operating in the affected areas of Italy, responsible for implementing and certifying compliance with the measures.
- Live cattle trading operators originating from or destined for the restricted Italian zones.
- Processing and distribution companies for bovine products (meat, dairy) with supply chains in the affected zones.
- Collection and distribution centers for bovine genetic material (semen, embryos) located in or operating with the restricted zones.
- Importers and exporters of cattle, animal products or genetic material with Italy as the country of origin or transit in the affected zones.
Practical example
A cattle farming operator with a bovine farm in an Italian province that, following the update of the annexes in July 2026, is included in the restricted zone, faces the following situation:
He had planned to transfer a batch of animals to another farm outside Italy. With the new geographic delimitation, that movement is subject to reinforced controls: he will need to obtain authorization from the Italian veterinary authorities, prove the health status of the batch and comply with the certification requirements established by Decision 2025/1582 and its updated annexes. If he proceeds with the transfer without meeting these requirements, he is exposed to administrative sanctions and blocking of the commercial movement.
Similarly, a bovine artificial insemination center located in a zone that now enters the restricted perimeter will need to review whether its genetic material distribution operations are affected and what additional documentation it needs to continue operating.
What should companies do now?
- Verify if your zone is included in the new annexes: consult the updated annexes of Decision 2026/1765 to confirm whether your farm or area of operation falls within the restricted perimeter. The annexes are the key element that changes compared to the 2025 regulation.
- Contact the Italian veterinary authorities: they are the body responsible for implementing and communicating the measures. Any movement of animals, products or genetic material in affected zones must be coordinated with them.
- Review contracts and ongoing commercial operations: if you have movements of cattle, animal products or genetic material scheduled with origin or destination in Italy, verify whether they are affected by the new restrictions.
- Update health documentation: ensure that all documentation of your movements complies with the reinforced requirements demanded in the restricted zones.
- Establish a regulatory monitoring protocol: the Commission may modify the annexes again if the epidemiological situation changes. Maintain an alert system to detect new updates in time.
Frequently asked questions
What zones in Italy are affected by Lumpy Skin Disease restrictions in 2026?
The specific zones are defined in the updated annexes of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1765, published on 16 July 2026. These annexes modify those of Decision 2025/1582. To find out which provinces or regions fall within the restricted perimeter, it is necessary to consult the annexes of the regulation directly in the EU Official Journal.
What movements are restricted in the zones affected by nodular dermatosis in Italy?
Restrictions apply to three categories: live cattle, animal products from the restricted zones, and bovine genetic material (semen, eggs and embryos). All these movements are subject to reinforced controls and require veterinary authorization and certification.
What happens if a farmer or operator does not comply with LSD emergency measures?
Non-compliance may result in administrative sanctions and blocking of affected commercial movements. The Italian veterinary authorities are responsible for implementing these measures and imposing the consequences for non-compliance.
When do the new updated geographic restrictions come into force?
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1765 entered into force on 14 July 2026, the date of its adoption by the European Commission, although it was published in the Official Journal on 16 July 2026.
Does this regulation affect operators outside Italy who trade in Italian cattle?
Yes. Importers, exporters and operators trading in live cattle, animal products or bovine genetic material with origin, destination or transit in the restricted zones of Italy are subject to the reinforced controls established by Decision 2025/1582 and its annexes updated by Decision 2026/1765.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601765