Epidemiology of sheep pox in Algeria

Sheep pox constitutes a major animal health problem in Algeria, despite the implementation of various national control campaigns over several decades. On the basis of epidemiological data provided by the Veterinary Services of Algeria from 1984 to 1997, the authors performed a statistical survey to determine possible correlations between factors responsible for the persistence of sheep pox, in particular seasonal and climatic variables. The authors propose an explanation for the variations observed and recommend a control programme which would be more appropriate to the agro-pastoral and bioclimatic conditions of the country.