Algeria limits cattle import suspension to breeding and fattening animals

The Directorate General of Veterinary Services (DGSV) has clarified that the temporary suspension of live cattle imports in Algeria applies only to animals for breeding and fattening.

The directorate sent the clarification in a note to the businesses concerned on Wednesday. It gives details of the decision first announced on 22 October.

The 22 October note suspended imports of live cattle for health reasons and until further notice. Health exemptions for imports that were still valid were also cancelled.

"This measure, taken for health reasons, applies exclusively to cattle for breeding and fattening," the directorate said. "Live cattle intended for slaughter are therefore not covered by this temporary suspension."

Live cattle for slaughter can therefore still be imported. The directorate's note also confirms that meat imports are not affected, and that different types of meat remain allowed.

For importers, the suspension still applies to cattle for breeding and fattening. TSA said the decision is unlikely to have an immediate effect on meat prices, because it does not cover slaughter cattle or imported meat.

Cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in some eastern regions of the country. Algérie Eco reported that local authorities have closed cattle markets in some wilayas as a preventive step.

TSA named Jijel, Béjaïa and Sétif as examples of eastern wilayas affected.