Diseases of camels

Abstract, 1987

The first part of this paper analyses the replies received from eleven African and Asian countries to a questionnaire concerning the general conditions under which camels are bred, and their principal diseases. The replies demonstrate a growing interest in these animals and in the effect of diseases on their productivity. Gastro-intestinal helminthoses, mange and trypanosomiasis are by far the most widespread diseases. These diseases occur in eleven countries. Their economic impact is considerable because they result in high morbidity. They can be dealt with by therapy and chemoprophylaxis. Pox is also widespread, occurring in seven of the eleven countries, including Pakistan, Chad, Jordan and Burkina Faso. Only the USSR has a vaccine and is conducting vaccination campaigns. Other diseases appear to be more localised and their prevalence is variable. Contagious ecthyma and paratuberculosis appear to be the main diseases in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The spread of foot and mouth disease virus by dromedaries has been investigated in Egypt. The role of dromedaries in the epidemiology of Rift Valley fever is of interest to several countries of East Africa. Many countries stress the need for a better knowledge of the zootechnical potential of camelidae, in order to appreciate fully the economic importance of their diseases. The second part of this paper provides a list of diseases recorded among the Camelidae of South America.

KEYWORDS: Africa - Alpaca - Animal diseases - Asia - Bacterial diseases - Bactrian camel - Camels - Dromedary - General account - Llama - Parasitoses - South America - Viral diseases.