PARIS, Feb 20 (Reuters) - France has lifted most of the curbs that were imposed on moving cattle to stop the spread of lumpy skin disease, the agriculture minister said on Friday, a day before Europe's largest farm show opens in Paris with no cows on display for the first time.
The highly contagious lumpy skin disease, mainly spread by biting insects, causes fever and painful skin lumps, weakens animals and reduces milk output. France has recorded 117 outbreaks, primarily in areas near the Alps and the southwest.
"Since we have had no cases of lumpy skin disease since January 2 (...) we are lifting all restrictions except for a very small area in the Pyrenees-Orientales, which is linked to a case in Spain," Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard told France Inter radio.
"This means that we can return to normal life, that we can trade again, that we can move these animals again," she said.
Organisers of the International Agriculture Show said last month that no cattle would be exhibited at the Paris event this year for the first time in its history, citing concerns about the disease.
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"The farmers have chosen to be cautious. I understand them, I respect them," Genevard said, referring to the decision.
The 500 to 600 cattle usually present at the International Agriculture Show are a major attraction at the annual event, which draws about 600,000 people, and are popular with children eager to see farm animals up close.
The government's handling of the outbreak, which included culling entire herds in contaminated areas, has been criticised by some French farmers. Anger over the issue was among the drivers of protests in Paris last month.
France has been the European country most affected by lumpy skin disease, though outbreaks have also been reported in Italy and Spain.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Sybille de La Hamaide;Editing by Helen Popper)