Published Date: 2025-02-07 23:33:06 GMT 
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease - Algeria (05): (TB, MS) livestock, WOAH, st O 
Archive Number: 20250207.8721942

FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE - ALGERIA (05): (TEBESSA, M'SILA) LIVESTOCK, WOAH, SEROTYPE O

A ProMED-mail post http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases http://www.isid.org

Date: Mon 3 Feb 2025
Source: WOAH-WAHIS (World Animal Health Information System) 2025 [abridged, edited]
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6236?reportId=171976&fromPage=event-dashboard-url


Algeria - Foot and mouth disease virus (Inf. with)
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Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Started: 26 Dec 2024
Confirmed: 9 Jan 2025
Reported: 3 Feb 2025
Reason for notification: Recurrence of an eradicated strain
Date of last occurrence: 11 Sep 2022
Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratory
Genotype/Serotype/Subtype: O
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country.

Outbreak location: Djebel Messaad, M'Sila
Started: 13 Jan 2025
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Total animals affected:
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Killed and disposed of / Slaughtered or killed for commercial use / Vaccinated
Cattle / 20 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -
Goats / 25 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -
All species / 45 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -

Outbreak location: Oum Ali, Tébessa
Started: 26 Dec 2024
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Total animals affected:
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Killed and disposed of / Slaughtered or killed for commercial use / Vaccinated
Cattle / 4 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -
Sheep / 355 / 7 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -
Goats / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -
All species / 360 / 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / -

Epidemiology
Source of event or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive

Control measures at event level
Domestic, applied: Disinfection, quarantine, surveillance outside the restricted zone, surveillance within the restricted zone, movement control, vaccination in response to the outbreak(s)

Diagnostic details:
Test name / Laboratory / Species sampled / Outbreak ID / Result date / Result
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) / Laboratoire Central Vétérinaire d'Alger / cattle / ob_148953 / 16 Jan 2025 / positive
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) / Laboratoire Central Vétérinaire / cattle / ob_148952 / 9 Jan 2025 / positive

[The location of the outbreaks can be seen on the interactive map included in the WOAH report at the source URL above.

Note: Data obtained via World Organization for Animal Health's (WOAH) (2025) World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). Reproduced with permission. WOAH bears no responsibility for the integrity or accuracy of the data contained herein, including, but not limited to, any deletion, manipulation, or reformatting of data that may have occurred beyond its control.]

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Communicated by:
ProMED
via
ProMED-MENA

[Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Algeria like other North African countries. The following is extracted from the discussion section of a paper that aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Algeria and identifies the factors contributing to this phenomenon:

"The recurrence of FMD outbreaks in Algeria can be attributed to different factors. Insufficient vaccination coverage in susceptible animal populations is a significant contributor to FMD outbreak recurrence. Challenges, such as inadequate vaccination campaigns and difficulties in reaching remote areas, can lead to the existence of pockets of vulnerable animals, highlighting the need for comprehensive vaccination programs. In addition, the persistence of FMDV in the environment, particularly in contaminated equipment, clothing, or vehicles, can introduce the virus to new areas or herds even after initial control. This highlights the need for strict biosecurity measures to prevent virus transmission through fomites and other environmental sources.

"In addition, wild animals, especially cloven-hoofed species, can sometimes act as reservoirs for FMDV, emphasizing their role in carrying and transmitting the virus to domestic livestock. Movement of infected animals or contaminated products between regions can facilitate the geographical spread of FMD. Moreover, considerations related to the virus itself are crucial. Recent research indicates that FMD virus can undergo genetic changes, potentially leading to the emergence of new strains or serotypes. These genetic variants may not be effectively covered by existing vaccines, leading to recurrence. To address the evolving nature of the virus, ongoing surveillance and vaccine development efforts are essential.

"In addition, favorable temperature and humidity conditions create an environment conducive to the survival and transmission of the FMDV. These conditions can enhance the persistence of the virus in the environment, potentially leading to increased transmission. Furthermore, human activities such as handling infected animals, improper disposal of carcasses, and accidental virus release from laboratories contribute to the recurrence of FMD outbreaks. These activities pose a risk of introducing the virus into new areas or populations and highlight the need for strict biosecurity measures and responsible practices to mitigate these risks" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11045538/). - Mod.SF

ProMED map:
Algeria: https://promedmail.org/promed-post?place=8721942,67]