Asturias reopens cattle fairs starting November 1st

The Regional Ministry of Rural Environment and Agricultural Policy once again authorizes the holding of fairs, competitions, contests, auctions, markets, and any other gatherings of bovine livestock throughout the territory of the Principality. This is done through the Resolution of October 16, 2026, published in the Official Gazette of the Principality of Asturias (BOPA) no. 209, of October 28, 2026, with reference Code 2026-08540. The measure takes effect from November 1, 2026, and extends until December 31, 2026.

The decision comes after the favorable evolution of contagious nodular dermatosis (CND), a viral disease of bovine livestock that prompted successive precautionary resolutions to prevent its arrival in Asturias. The regional Executive justifies this step based on four factors: the improvement of the epidemiological situation in Spain, the vaccination plan established in certain areas of the country, confirmation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that vaccine stocks exist, and the entry into a seasonal period of lower temperatures that reduce the activity of the transmitting vector.

The regulation is based on Regulation (EU) 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases and Article 8 of Law 8/2003, of April 24, on animal health, and attributes competence to the regional minister by virtue of Decree 22/2023, of July 31, and Decree 88/2023, of August 18. The resolution nullifies any previous resolution issued in relation to CND.

Strict requirements for participating animals

The authorization is not general: it is conditional upon the livestock meeting a double requirement of origin and permanence. Specifically, the animals must:

• Come exclusively from holdings located within the autonomous community.
• Have remained in the Principality of Asturias since a date prior to June 1, 2026, or have been born and remained in the territory since that date.
• Not have made movements outside the autonomous community after June 1, 2026.

The resolution specifies that the lifted prohibition affected only bovines, so events with other animal species are governed by the regulations applicable to them. It also emphasizes that the measures seek to protect animal health, the commercial status of the sector, and the general interest, and that the deadlines may be modified by express resolution according to the evolution of the epidemiology.

Pola de Siero, facilities open but without a national market

The text maintains the suspension of the authorization of the Pola de Siero National Livestock Market as a national cattle market until December 31, 2026. However, to facilitate the grouping, management, and dispatch of animals, it enables the use of its facilities for the concentration of bovines under the same conditions as the first resolution. In other words, the premises will operate, but without the qualification of a national market.

Quarantines, disinsectization, and road control

The sanitary package accompanying the reopening includes additional obligations for farms and transport:

• Isolation and quarantine for 21 days for all animals of sensitive species on the farm receiving animals from areas considered at risk by the General Directorate of Livestock and Agricultural Health.
• Mandatory disinsectization of all sensitive animals in the facilities following the arrival of those animals and the vehicle transporting them.
• Disinsectization of all authorized livestock transport vehicles during entry and exit movements, as well as upon the return of empty vehicles, in addition to the cleaning and disinfection already provided for in Royal Decree 638/2019, of November 8.
• Cleaning, disinfection, and disinsectization control actions by the Official Veterinary Services of the Principality, in collaboration with the State Security Forces and Corps.

Non-compliance may be sanctioned in accordance with Law 8/2003, of April 24, without prejudice to other civil or criminal liabilities. This act exhausts the administrative route: a contentious-administrative appeal may be filed before the Contentious-Administrative Court within two months, or an optional appeal for reversal within one month. The resolution is signed by counselor Marcelino Marcos Líndez in Oviedo, on October 16, 2026.

Impact on the sector and the rural calendar

The reopening arrives with the autumn and winter fair calendar at stake and clears the uncertainty for livestock farmers, event organizers, and rural town halls, who were facing the season without being able to hold bovine concentrations. The relief is, however, partial: the Pola de Siero national market will remain suspended as such until the end of the year, and participation is limited to cattle of Asturian origin and residence, a filter that hinders the presence of buyers and animals from outside the community. The epidemiological evolution of the BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) will determine whether the calendar is expanded or shortened before December 31.

Source: Official Gazette of the Principality of Asturias, no. 209, of October 28, 2026, section I (Principality of Asturias, Other Provisions), pp. 1-2 (official reference: Code 2026-08540).