Bluetongue, sheep - Algeria (02): OIE

International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Source: OIE Disease Information, 21 Sep 2006, Vol 19 - No.38 [edited]
< http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_78.HTM#Sec5>


Bluetongue in Algeria: Follow-up report No. 1

Translation of information received on 16 Sep 2006 from Dr Rachid
Bouguedour, Director of Animal Health Services, Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Algiers:

End of this report period: 16 Sep 2006.

Identification of agent: bluetongue virus serotype 1.

Date of start of the event: 12 Jul 2006.

Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.

New outbreaks:  Between 15 Jul and 28 Aug 2006, there were 24
outbreaks in sheep farms reported from Bejaia, Bouira, Djelfa, El
Bayadh, Laghouat, Medea, M'sila, Naama, Saida, Tiaret and Tizi
Ouzou.  There were between 1 and 3 affected farms in each of the
above Wilaya (administrative division). There were 3932 susceptible
animals resulting in 213 cases, including 18 deaths.

Location of the outbreaks
<http://www.oie.int/cartes/19_38_DZA.png >

Description of affected population: sheep showing classical signs of
bluetongue: a general loss of condition with hyperthermia,
stomatitis, conjunctivitis, hypersalivation and submaxillary oedema.
Affected animals soon recover.

Laboratories where diagnostic tests were performed:

1) Central Veterinary Laboratory, Algiers
Results: ELISA positive

2) OIE Reference Laboratory, Pirbrightovi
Results: PCR positive

Source of outbreaks or origin of infection: vectors.

Other details/comments:  major disinsectisation campaign, which will
be maintained until the weather becomes cooler; extensive prospective
surveillance in markets, farms, abattoirs, etc.

This report confirms the Bluetongue virus to be serotype 1, which
indicates it is not related to the outbreak in northwestern parts of Europe.

As is the case for neighboring Morocco, which is currently being
affected by EHD (another related orbivirus spread by insect vectors),
the outbreaks are spread over a large portion of northern part of the country.

In contrast to previous reports, this official report contains
information only on sheep as was true for the previous official
report in July 2006 (Bluetongue, sheep - Algeria 20060726.2054).  It
would be most helpful to confirm recent unofficial reports indicating
cattle are also being affected.