The Algerian authorities have made significant progress in their campaign to vaccinate cattle against foot-and-mouth disease, with 1,929 cattle vaccinated in the Draâ El-Mizan region. The campaign, which began in October, aims to protect the region's livestock from the disease. A veterinarian from the region stated that the campaign has been well-received by local farmers, with only a few animals remaining to be vaccinated.
The Draâ El-Mizan region, which covers the communes of Draâ El-Mizan, Frikat, and Aïn Zaouia, has seen a surge in interest in livestock farming, particularly in the vast plains of the area. According to Saliha Belfadel, the subdivisionnaire, the vaccination campaign has been implemented commune by commune, with the help of private veterinarians. The number of vaccinated animals in each commune is as follows: 443 in Frikat, 915 in Draâ El-Mizan, and 571 in Aïn Zaouia.
Belfadel stated that the number of vaccine doses available is sufficient to cover the entire region, and that local farmers have shown no hesitation in vaccinating their animals. She attributed this to the farmers' understanding of the risks associated with not vaccinating their livestock. The authorities have also taken measures to prevent the spread of other diseases, such as peste des petits ruminants, which has affected thousands of sheep and goats in other regions.
According to Belfadel, there have been no reported cases of peste des petits ruminants or foot-and-mouth disease in the region. The authorities have put in place measures to prevent the spread of these diseases, including the closure of livestock markets for a month and restrictions on the movement of animals. An arrêté from December 27, 2018, complements an earlier arrêté from July 2017, which aimed to prevent the spread of these diseases.
The arrêté also requires veterinarians in the region to conduct awareness campaigns among private practitioners. This campaign has been launched, with veterinarians from the subdivision agricultural department tasked with educating their colleagues on foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants. Belfadel expressed hope that these measures will protect the region's livestock from these diseases.
Local farmers are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for their livestock, given the measures taken by the authorities. However, they remain vigilant, recalling the epizootic outbreak of July and August 2014. The authorities' efforts to prevent the spread of disease have provided some assurance, but continued vigilance is necessary to protect the region's livestock.
The vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease is part of a broader effort to protect Algeria's livestock from disease. The authorities have taken a proactive approach to preventing the spread of disease, working with local farmers and veterinarians to ensure the health of the region's livestock. With the campaign nearing its end, the authorities are hopeful that their efforts will pay off in the long run.
Key points
- - 1,929 cattle vaccinated in Draâ El-Mizan region - Authorities take measures to prevent spread of peste des petits ruminants and foot-and-mouth disease - Local farmers show no hesitation in vaccinating their animals
