Cattle import suspension covers breeding animals only, DGSV says

Algeria's General Directorate of Veterinary Services (DGSV) has clarified that its suspension of live cattle imports covers only breeding and fattening animals.

Algérie 360 reported that a note sent to importers on Wednesday narrows a decision the DGSV took on 22 October. Cattle sent straight to slaughterhouses are not affected, according to the note. Importers of heifers for herd renewal or young bulls for fattening must still wait.

The first text, issued on 22 October, referred to live cattle without further detail. That wording suggested a full halt on arrivals of live animals. The first note had also cancelled health exemptions still valid, a detail that concerned importers whose shipments were already arranged.

The DGSV has not set a date for resuming imports, and the suspension stays in place until further notice. Nothing has been said about orders already placed with foreign suppliers. The DGSV also said that imports of various types of meat remain allowed.

Both notes cite health reasons linked to checks on import operations, but neither names a disease. The decision comes as the Central Veterinary Laboratory has confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, a viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals and spreads quickly. Such animals stay with local herds for long periods, which makes them a greater risk than animals sent straight to slaughter, the report says.

In Constantine, the wali (governor) has signed an order closing all animal sale points in the wilaya, covering cattle, sheep and goats. The order lasts 15 days, with a possible extension, and aims to stop foot-and-mouth disease arriving in the wilaya or spreading there.

The Direction of Agricultural Services announced the closure, which follows confirmed cases in cattle in several wilayas.