An epidemiological overview of small ruminant diseases in Algeria.

Abstract

Small ruminant production is one of the main sources of meat in Algeria and plays a vital role in the country's food security. Algeria's small ruminant industry has the potential to improve the living standards of farmers and households, as well as to increase animal protein availability to the public, and as a consequence to alleviate poverty and improve health. This review describes the main infectious diseases that have an impact on small ruminant production in Algeria. It also discusses the adopted control measures for these diseases. The epidemiological status of small ruminant diseases in Algeria is striking and the main infectious diseases threatening its small ruminant industry are peste des petits ruminants, bluetongue, foot and mouth disease, sheep pox/goat pox, brucellosis and Rift Valley fever. Therefore, the establishment of early warning systems and the proper implementation of control measures are needed in order to prevent, control and/or eradicate these diseases that have a significant impact on Algeria's economy.