The cattle sector in Algeria is facing significant uncertainty following an official directive from the General Directorate of Veterinary Services. Citing sanitary reasons, authorities suspended all live cattle imports as of October 22, 2026, and invalidated all existing import permits. This development comes amid circulating rumors regarding the potential closure of cattle markets, a prospect that has deeply unsettled farmers who are already struggling with animal disease outbreaks and high feed costs. Breeders fear that the combination of import restrictions and market instability will lead to a sharp price increase for high-quality livestock. While the suspension of imports is the only official measure taken so far, future decisions regarding the markets remain contingent upon the progression of the health situation.