A growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been reported in the high-mountain villages of Saharidj and El-Adjiba in Bouira province, Algeria. The disease has infected cattle herds in several villages, including Ath Hamad, Ath Illithen, and Imezdhourar in Saharidj, and Islane and Agouilal in El-Adjiba. Local farmers have reported that the disease has been spreading rapidly since the beginning of January.
The outbreak has raised concerns among local cattle breeders, who claim that the vaccines provided by veterinary services are ineffective against the specific strain of the virus affecting their animals. Foot-and-mouth disease has seven different virus classifications, each requiring a specific vaccine. The breeders argue that the vaccines used in the region are not compatible with the local virus strain, contributing to the rapid spread of the disease.
This is not the first time foot-and-mouth disease has affected the region. The disease was first reported in the last quarter of the previous year in the mountains of Béjaïa province, before spreading to Bouira province. The disease has a history of affecting the region, with a similar outbreak occurring between 2000 and 2006, which resulted in the deaths of entire herds.
The disease is spread through contact between infected animals, which often gather at collective grazing areas in high-mountain regions. These areas, located on the southern slopes of the Djurdjura massif, are used by multiple herds, increasing the risk of transmission. The proximity of the affected villages to these collective grazing areas has facilitated the rapid spread of the disease.
Despite the rapid spread of the disease, no cases of mortality have been reported so far. However, the outbreak has caused significant concern among local breeders, who fear for the health and livelihood of their animals. The Algerian authorities have been informed of the situation, but no official response has been reported yet.
The affected regions are located in the high-mountain areas of Bouira province, where collective grazing areas are common. The disease is likely to continue spreading unless measures are taken to contain it. The experience of the past shows that the disease can spread quickly through the region, affecting multiple villages and herds.
The situation is being closely monitored by local breeders and veterinary services, who are working to assess the extent of the outbreak and find a solution to contain it. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds. Meanwhile, local breeders are urging the authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis and prevent further spread of the disease.
Key points
- The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Bouira province has infected cattle herds in several villages, with breeders claiming that the vaccines used are ineffective against the local virus strain.
