Current state of knowledge on cultural practices and sanitary threats of the horse in Algerian society

Abstract

Algeria is a typical country of great and ancestral equestrian tradition where horses are a varied asset in terms of animal genetic resources, offering an important diversity of breeds in terms of their adaptation and their capacity for production in their natural environment. This literature review aims to illustrate the role played by the horse in Algerian culture and traditions from the past to the present and, to present main diseases studied throughout the country. The equine industry occupies a prominent place in the history and economy of North Africa, especially in Algeria, horse has a major role in sustainable development, particularly in the environmental field, by playing a particular role in the management of spaces and landscapes beneficial to the maintenance and development of biodiversity, but also in its relationship with humans. Especially in the Center and West of the country, horses are the main actors of "Fantasia", which ensures the continuity of an authentic military equestrian tradition, it is a simulation of traditional military action. According to the prevalence rates, the main diseases threatening horses’ health are Equine Influenza, West Nile Virus, Equine Viral Arteritis, Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Toxoplasmosis, Microsporidiosis and Pinworms. However, low rates were observed for Rhinopneumonitis, Brucellosis, Surra and Cryptosporidiosis. Actually, horses deserve more attention from public authorities and civil society, to preserve this animal considered as a part of the national and humanitarian heritage.