The fallout from Vox’s move to loosen tuberculosis controls on farms in Castilla y León and the subsequent reversal did not take long to unfold. In Salamanca, hundreds of people pressed toward the Autonomous Board headquarters as protests swelled, resulting in injuries and at least one arrest. In this tense climate, a letter from the European Union questioning the regulations surfaced, signaling a broader, cross-border concern about the approach to animal health and trade rules.
A letter dated May 23 from the European Commission to the Spanish government warned that the Vox standard was not aligned with European guidelines and could raise the risk of bovine tuberculosis spreading. The document also noted that Vox permitted movements of cattle that were restricted under EU rules. It emphasized that the regulation allowed transport from livestock facilities where disinfection had been suspended or withdrawn because of positive or inconclusive tests, or even after confirmed outbreaks. The commission warned that such moves could dangerously facilitate the disease’s spread across regions and into other markets.
Three injured, one prisoner and four hour blockade at a livestock protest in Salamanca
This episode traces back to May 15, when Vox approved a reduction in cattle controls for tuberculosis in Castilla y León, arguing that the existing measures were arbitrary. A regional leader, speaking in a video, asserted, “We will continue to defend our farmers against unwarranted impositions that threaten their livelihoods.” The same official suggested that the European Union would adjust its laws to allow looser controls on tuberculosis, framing the measure as a step toward relief for producers.
The High Court of Justice of Castilla y León issued a ruling that suspended the relaxation of cattle health safeguards, but the decision was not permanent and tensions rose among farmers who believed the adjustments did not fully address health risks. In some cases, cattle that had been sent to the slaughterhouse later tested healthy on a second analysis, fueling debates about the accuracy and timing of testing protocols and the adequacy of sanitation measures.
In response to the unfolding events, a campaign to cancel district administration orders and ban cattle from leaving the community gained momentum. Agricultural authorities also faced a contentious administrative appeal aimed at safeguarding animal health in Spain and mitigating any negative consequences for its agricultural sector abroad. Officials indicated there had been multiple contacts with Castilla y León to inform the regional government of the legality concerns and the intention to appeal, underscoring the ongoing tension between regional autonomy and national or European health standards. The European Commission reiterated calls for decisive action to protect both animal health and the integrity of European markets, stressing the need for a coordinated response among member states.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development scheduled a meeting on short notice to engage with farmers and discuss the way forward. However, Unión por la Ganadería, a coalition representing 22 agricultural associations in Salamanca, declined the invitation unless concrete changes to European and national protocols were proposed. The stance reflected a broader demand for clarity on testing regimes, transport rules, and enforcement practices to prevent sporadic outbreaks from triggering widespread disruption in farming communities and supply chains.