We intended to relate the geographic distribution of ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes in relation to steppe climate (and vegetation). Data are either from literature or from newly acquired/ available results. Simple or more sophisticated meteorological indices were used to characterize the climate. Regression analyses were used to correlate climatic factors and presence of endoparasites from steppe areas. The distribution of one (Marshallagia) out of five endoparasite genera was concentrated mostly in steppic areas whereas other species were found also in other areas. In wild hosts the distribution of Marshallagia was much larger from Sptizberg to New World (northern territories in Canada or extreme south of America). In domestic small ruminants the presence of Marshallagia was identified more frequently and constantly in the area of original domestication and its early diffusion (from Northern Africa to Kashmir, Caucasia). The distribution of this parasite was correlated to low rainfalls which were not the case for all other endoparasites. After host switch (reindeer or south America camelids), it has expanded in other climatic areas, either colder or dryer.

It is a common view that assemblages of parasitic nematodes are influenced by climatic conditions; however, there are only a few articles available regarding those that infect farm animals. We investigated the relationship between climate variables and infection with abomasal trichostrongyles in 335 1-year-old rams grazed on steppe pastures in Eastern Algeria. Abomasa were collected from 12 local slaughterhouses located in four climatic areas (from humid to arid) and the worms extracted, identified and counted. The abundance was low and the fauna composed primarily of Teladorsagia circumcincta, Marshallagia marshalli and Trichostrongylus sp. The high percentage of M. marshalli is typical of steppe areas. Ostertagia ostertagi and Haemonchus contortus were present in low numbers. Rainfall was the most important climatic variable related to the main species. This relationship was not linear for M. marshalli but an optimal rainfall was detected (350–400 mm/year). The more complex climatic indicators used in the study did not demonstrate a more significant correlation than rainfall. The predictive value of rainfall on the abundance or proportion of species in the assemblage was modest but highly significant. The seasonality of assemblages was different between the two main sub-climates (sub-humid and semi-arid).

Objective: The objectives of this study were to characterise the epidemiology of human and animal brucellosis in the eastern Algerian province of Constantine, and to identify the interactions between humans and animals, to establish strategies from a unique health perspective considering the context of endemicity and eradication challenges. Methods: Data collected from official institutions regarding brucellosis in humans and animals in Constantine and seven other provinces from 2015 to 2023 (until August 2022 for animals) were analysed to estimate temporal trends, alert thresholds, and correlations between humans and animals. Results: A total of 163 brucellosis cases in humans were recorded in Constantine between 2015 and 2023, and the annual average was 1.47/100,000. The epidemic threshold was exceeded in 2021 and 2022. Males and residents 20–44 years of age were the most affected groups. In cattle, the prevalence was 1.32%, and the screening rate was below 7.5%. The only significant correlation was observed between humans and goats (r = −0.747, p = 0.03). The southern Constantine region was the most affected. Conclusion: Brucellosis is an underestimated public health threat in Algeria. Gaps in its management include inadequate screening of goats, insufficient vaccination coverage and underreporting. The implementation of more comprehensive surveillance programmes is imperative.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue (BT), and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) are major emerging and re-emerging viral infections affecting ruminants. These diseases can threaten livestock health, food security, and economic stability in low- and middle-income countries, including Algeria. However, their dynamics remain mostly unknown, limiting the implementation of effective preventive and control measures. We analyzed outbreak data reported by Algerian veterinary authorities and the WAHIS database from 2014 to 2022 for FMD; from 2006 to 2020 for BT; and from 2011 to 2022 for PPR to investigate their spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers. Over these periods, Algeria reported 1142 FMD outbreaks (10,409 cases; 0.16/1000 incidence), 167 BT outbreaks (602 cases; 0.018/1000), and 222 PPR outbreaks (3597 cases; 0.096/1000). Small ruminants were the most affected across all diseases, although cattle bore the highest burden of FMD. BT primarily impacted sheep, and PPR showed a higher incidence in goats. Disease peaks occurred in 2014 for FMD, 2008 for BT, and 2019 for PPR. Spatial analyses revealed distinct ecological hotspots: sub-humid and semi-arid zones for FMD and BT, and semi-arid/Saharan regions for PPR. These patterns may be influenced by species susceptibility, animal movement, trade, and climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall. The absence of consistent temporal trends and the persistence of outbreaks suggest multiple drivers, including insufficient vaccination coverage, under-reporting, viral evolution, and environmental persistence. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted species- and region-specific control strategies, including improved surveillance, cross-border coordination, and climate-informed risk mapping. Strengthening One Health frameworks will be essential to mitigate the re-emergence and spread of these diseases.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector‐transmitted viral disease that affects cattle and water buffaloes. The LSD virus (LSDV) is a double‐stranded DNA virus and is a member of the Poxviridae family. The first documented cases of LSD were reported in Zambia in 1929, from which it spread to other countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, as well as to countries in Europe and Asia. The present study documents the first occurrence of LSD in the North African region. Different samples were collected from infected cattle in Algeria and Tunisia, and morbidity data were recorded. To confirm the occurrence of LSDV, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were performed on the basis of the p32 gene. The symptoms associated with LSD infection in both countries include lymph node enlargement, the presence of lumps in several parts of the body and the occurrence of high fever. The PCR detected the p32 gene of the LSDV in 77.9% (60/77) of the collected samples, and cattle skin, nasal and buccal swabs were identified as the most virulent materials. Phylogenetic analysis employing the p32 gene sequence from two amplicons revealed 100% sequence identity to GenBank‐published LSDV sequences and grouped with amplicons predominantly isolated from Egypt ( MZ665552.1 ), Zimbabwe ( KX033500.1 ), various Asian countries and Russia. It is important to note that the phylogenetic analysis based on the p32 gene sequence is limited and poorly discriminative in comparison to whole genome sequencing, which is better at identifying the cluster to which a circulating virus belongs. The implementation of the Neethling strain vaccine in Algeria and Tunisia, in conjunction with the unfavourable climatic conditions conducive to vector multiplication, resulted in a substantial decline in clinical cases.