Emergence and Evolution of the Ovine Catarrhal Fever in Algeria

The ovine catarrhal fever (Bluetongue) is a disease prevalent in warm climate countries, primarily transmitted through infected midges known as Culicoides. The activity of these vectors increases at temperatures exceeding 18 °C, a situation exacerbated by global warming. This phenomenon has facilitated the emergence of several epidemics in European regions. Originating from Tunisia, ovine catarrhal fever was first reported in Algeria in the El Tarf region in July 2000. The disease subsequently spread eastward, quickly reaching central regions such as Jijel, Bejaia, and Tizi-Ouzou, predominantly affecting rural areas. Following a period of dormancy due to unfavorable weather or underreporting, new cases have recently been observed in the western regions of the country. The disease's progression and spatial distribution exhibit unique characteristics, warranting further investigation.