Algerian minister announces closure of cattle markets nationwide

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abdelouahab Nouri, announced Sunday in Setif the application by his department of two exceptional measures prohibiting the movement of animals without veterinary clearance and closure of all cattle markets nationwide to prevent the spread of FMD.
In a press conference held at the headquarters of the Bir El Arch Sub-Prefecture in the presence of local officials, Nouri said that this "dangerous and contagious disease is detrimental to the country livestock and the national economy."
Until today, Sunday, the Department of Agriculture reported the outbreak of this disease in Setif where the first cases were recorded in July in Bourzam in the town of Bir El Arch, in Batna, Bouira, Medea, in Bejaia, Tizi ouzou, in Constantine and in Khenchela. Efforts aimed at preventing the spread of disease to other provinces.
The Minister regretted the attitude called "irresponsible" of some breeders who have introduced from a neighboring country, sick cows on the national market dissimilating infection, which has caused the spread of the disease.