Spatial and temporal distribution of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Algeria from 2014 to 2022

Research (Published online: 05-03-2024)

1. Spatial and temporal distribution of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Algeria from 2014 to 2022

Meryem Guessoum, Mounir Adnane, Ratiba Baazizi, and Madina-Saliha Derguini

Veterinary World, 17(3): 509-517

Meryem Guessoum: Local Animal Resources Management Laboratory, National Veterinary School, BP161 El-Harrach, Algiers, Algeria.

Mounir Adnane: Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Ibn Khaldoun of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria.

Ratiba Baazizi: Department of Clinic, National Veterinary High School, ENSV, Algiers, Algeria.

Madina-Saliha Derguini: Veterinary Inspection of Algiers, Department of Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Algeria.

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a major transboundary animal ailment in Algeria, is a serious economic burden on the livestock sector. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Algeria and identifies the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

Materials and Methods: Data on FMD cases occurring in Algeria from 2014 to 2022 were collected from various sources, including archives at the Ministry of Agriculture, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, reference laboratory reports, and unpublished scientific reports. The data were compiled and analyzed using MS Office Excel® and SPSS® software.

Results: A total of 22,690 FMD cases and 1,141 outbreaks were reported in Algeria between 2014 and 2022. The apex of infections occurred in 2014 (34.5%), followed by an increase in the number of infections in 2019 and 2017. The prevalence of FMD extended to 91.6% of the districts of the country, particularly in the north (center) and eastern regions. Cows were the most affected, with 654 outbreaks and more than 3,665 cases. Although FMD affected all four regions, there was a statistically significant long-term decline in the incidence.

Conclusion: These spatial and temporal trends underscore the robust disease control methodologies implemented by the Algerian government, such as the strategic immunization of livestock to fortify their viral resistance, stringent constraints on animal mobility, and enlightenment of farmers regarding the hazards associated with unrestricted livestock movement to effectively curb FMD dissemination.

Keywords: control measures, distribution, foot-and-mouth disease, livestock, outbreaks.

The document is a research article that investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Algeria from 2014 to 2022.

From 2014 to 2022, a total of 22,690 cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were reported in Algeria, with the highest number of infections occurring in 2014 (34.5% of cases).

The prevalence of FMD extended to 91.6% of the districts in Algeria, with the northern (center) and eastern regions being the most affected.

Cows were the most affected species, with 654 outbreaks and over 3,665 cases reported.

The Algerian government has implemented robust disease control measures, including strategic immunization of livestock, constraints on animal mobility, and farmer education, to effectively curb the spread of FMD.

The distribution of FMD outbreaks in Algeria has been extensive, covering almost all regions, with a higher incidence in the central and eastern regions.

Sheep and goats can also be affected by FMD and play a role in transmitting the virus to more vulnerable ruminants, especially cattle.

The recurrence of FMD outbreaks in Algeria can be attributed to factors such as insufficient vaccination coverage, movement of infected animals or contaminated products, persistence of the virus in the environment, genetic changes in the virus, favorable environmental conditions, and human activities.