Angry French farmers are protesting government-backed culls of cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). Riot police clashed with demonstrators in southern Ariège on Thursday, where vets were called to destroy possibly infected cattle. Farmers have dumped manure outside government offices and blocked roads in the south. In Charente-Maritime, offices of environmental groups were attacked. LSD is a contagious cattle disease spread mainly by flies. It causes fever, skin nodules, and lowers milk production. The disease came to Europe from Africa around ten years ago. France recorded its first outbreak in June in the Alps. That outbreak even forced a Tour de France stage to be cut short. The government orders killing all cattle in infected herds. But two main farmers’ unions, Conféderation Rurale and Conféderation Paysanne, say this is cruel and unnecessary. They want selective culling and vaccination instead. Veterinarians disagree. Stephanie Philizot, head of vets’ union SNGTV, said: "Right now we are unable to tell the difference between a healthy animal and a symptomless animal carrying the virus. That is the only reason we have to carry out these whole-herd slaughters." Since June, around 110 LSD outbreaks have appeared, mostly in eastern and southwestern France. Officials blame illegal cattle movements among affected zones. About 3,000 animals have been culled so far. The government worries protests may spread amid wider farming troubles like falling wine sales and avian flu hits on poultry. Farmers also oppose a new EU free-trade agreement with South America, fearing cheap imports made under weaker rules. A large protest is planned next week in Brussels during the EU leaders’ summit.