Sheep supply will be abundant for the holiday, ministry

Supply in sheep and caprines will be abundant for the Islamic festival of "Aid El Adha," said the department of agriculture and rural development.

Aid el Adha or El Aid El Kebir is the festival marking the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ismael, at God's behest. It is also a time-honored family gathering. Every household that can afford it, purchases a sheep for slaughter.

Some 5.64 million animals, bred in good conditions, are available, while the demand should not exceed 5.16 millions, including 4.82 million sheep, director of the cattle breeding section at the ministry, Ahmed Sbihi, told MAP.

El Aid came this year in an ideal period, the best in the three last years, he said, adding that Sheep and goat pox have been totally eradicated between September and December 2003 after so many years of endeavors. During the past two years, some 14 million animals have been vaccinated against the ailment.