Comparative studies on hydatidosis in farm animals in Egypt.

A survey on the frequency of hydatid disease in animals slaughtered in Cairo abattoir revealed that the percentage in camels, sheep, pigs, cows and buffaloes attained 31.0%, 1.33%, 4.62%, 0.0% and 0.0% respectively. In camels and pigs the lungs were the main predilection sites of hydatid cysts, while in sheep the liver was the most infested organ. The wall thickness of the cysts was different according to the host species and the location of the cyst. The parasitic membrane of the cysts collected from camels consisted of two layers, an outer layer rich with mucopolysaccharides, and an inner germinal layer; some of its cells were rich with glycogen others were charged with lipids; the latter were mainly concentrated at the origin of the brood capsule. Hydatid cysts from camels showed a large number of calcareous bodies which stained deeply with both von Kossa stain and alcian blue stain. The majority of the examined cysts from sheep showed non-fertile germinal membranes. The most characteristic feature observed in the cysts collected from pigs was the presence of large amounts of fat droplets.     

A survey of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan.

Information on incidences of camel (Camelus dromedarius) diseases in Jordan is scarce. In this survey, 369 live and 156 slaughtered camels were examined in four Jordanian geographic regions and the proportion of diseased camels was calculated. Intestinal parasite ova were detected in 98% of camels; one or more species of external parasites were found on the skin of all camels; 33% had nasal myiasis; and hydatid cysts were identified in 44% of the slaughtered animals. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli) and trypanasomiasis, two diseases of economic importance, were also diagnosed in 83% and 33% of the 32 and 257 examined camels, respectively. Rabies virus was detected in eight camels by use of fluorescent antibody examination of brain tissues. Foreign-body accumulation within the first and second stomach compartments was the predominant gastrointestinal disease of slaughtered adult camels (22%). Ten percent of slaughtered camels had bacterial pneumonia, with Pasteurella hemolytica most often isolated (56% of pneumonic lungs). Further investigation into the relationship between parasite burden and health in camels is required to assess the significance of the high prevalence of parasites.     

Spatial association between primary Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection and exposure to dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is an emerging zoonotic disease. Exposure to dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) has been consistently considered the main source of primary human infection. Although Saudi Arabia reports the highest rate of human MERS‐CoV infection and has one of the largest populations of dromedary camels worldwide, their spatial association has not yet been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation between the spatial distribution of primary MERS‐CoV cases with or without a history of camel exposure reported between 2012 and 2019 and dromedary camels at the provincial level in Saudi Arabia. In most provinces, a high proportion of older men develop infections after exposure to camels. Primary human infections during spring and winter were highest in provinces characterized by seasonal breeding and calving, increased camel mobilization and camel–human interactions. A strong and significant association was found between the total number of dromedary camels and the numbers of primary camel‐exposed and non‐exposed MERS‐CoV cases. Furthermore, spatial correlations between MERS‐CoV cases and camel sex, age and dairy status were significant. Via a cluster analysis, we identified Riyadh, Makkah and Eastern provinces as having the most primary MERS‐CoV cases and the highest number of camels. Transmission of MERS‐CoV from camels to humans occurs in most primary cases, but there is still a high proportion of primary infections with an ambiguous link to camels. The results from this study include significant correlations between primary MERS‐CoV cases and camel populations in all provinces, regardless of camel exposure history. This supports the hypothesis of the role of an asymptomatic human carrier or, less likely, an unknown animal host that has direct contact with both infected camels and humans. In this study, we performed a preliminary risk assessment of prioritization measures to control the transmission of infection from camels to humans.     

Copper status in breeding and racing camels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus dromedarius</Emphasis>) and response to cupric oxide needle capsules

Copper was determined in the blood of breeding camels, camel calves and racing camels to evaluate copper status in these animals in UAE. Low blood copper concentrations were reported in newly born camel calves (100%) and calves 2–4 months old (68%), breeding camels at early (55.6%) and at mid lactation (48%) and at late pregnancy (69%). This is attributed to the low copper and high sulfate in the Rhodes grass which is the only diet offered to the breeding camels. On the other hand only 9.7% of racing camels showed low copper levels. This is because copper is routinely offered to racing camels when their blood copper is low. Cupric oxide needle capsules orally administered at the rate of 8 g per adult camel was effective in elevating blood copper from 7.083 μmol/L at day zero to 10.074 μmol/L at day 28 after dosing.     

Molecular evidence of ovine (G1) and camel (G6) strains of Echinococcus granulosus in Tunisia and putative role of cattle in human contamination

Three hundred and seventy-two cysts coming from 50 humans, 166 cattle, 153 sheep and 3 camels were collected in order to establish some epidemiological molecular information in Tunisia for the first time. The analysis by PCR-RFLP of ITS1 sequence showed that all the human, ovine and bovine cysts were due to the common sheep strain of Echinococcus granulosus. The sequencing of the CO1 gene of 37 isolates confirm the G1 genotype of this strain. For seven of these isolates, we found the mutation C56T which is present in the three principal intermediate hosts: human (three cysts), cattle (three cysts) and sheep (one cyst). With regard to the G1 genotype, we identified three other point mutations. The camel strain G6 is uniquely found in the three camels isolates and not in the other intermediate hosts analysed. The fertility of the bovine cyst represents 48% that means that this host is involved in a bovine-dog cycle and consequently represents a reservoir of sheep strain in Tunisia. Our results confirm the importance of the prophylaxis measures in order to disrupt the cycle of transmission sheep-dog in Tunisia. Nevertheless, the supervision of bovine infection should be reinforced because this intermediate host may constitute an important link with the human contamination.     

A review of camel brucellosis

We reviewed the literature on camel brucellosis. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels appears to follow two distinct patterns: a low (2-5%) prevalence in nomadic or extensively kept camels and a high (8-15%) prevalence in camels kept intensively or semi-intensively. The infection is caused by different biotypes of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Many gaps exist in the literature on the epidemiology of camel brucellosis. There is no clear policy in any of the camel-keeping countries regarding the control of brucellosis in camels. We suggest whole-herd vaccination in low-prevalence countries and test-and-slaughter followed by vaccination in high-prevalence countries.     

Mastitis in lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Afar Region, north-eastern Ethiopia.

Quarter milk samples (n = 543) from 152 traditionally managed lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Afar Region, north-eastern Ethiopia were examined to determine the prevalence of camel mastitis and identify its bacterial causes. Out of 152 camels examined, 19 (12.5%) were diagnosed as clinical mastitis cases based on clinical signs and bacteriological examinations. Of the 257 California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive quarter milk samples 162 (63.0%) yielded pathogenic bacteria. A positive correlation was observed between CMT positive results and presence of major pathogens in camel milk samples. The main mastitis pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, S. dysgalactiae, and other species of streptococci, Pasteurella haemolytica and E. coli. Results of the present study suggest that mastitis in Afar camels is prevalent, Gram-positive cocci are the major isolates from camel milk samples and the CMT can be used as a screening test for the detection of mastitis in camels.     

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of paratuberculosis of camels

Camels are the prime source of meat and milk in many desert regions of the world including Saudi Arabia. Paratuberculosis of camels, locally called Silag, is a serious and invariably fatal disease in the Arabian camel. Six camels were used in this study. Five camels with clinical paratuberculosis were used to study the pathology of the disease and confirm its aetiology. The sixth camel was clinically healthy and used as a control. The camels were examined clinically and bled for haematological and blood chemistry analysis. They were then humanely killed with a high intravenous dose of thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg) for pathological studies as well as obtaining tissues for microbiological and molecular studies. The clinical signs of the disease were emaciation, diarrhoea, alopecia, wry neck and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory diagnosis showed reduced haemoglobin concentration, low haematocrit and high activity of the serum enzyme alanine aminotransferase. Serum creatinine concentration was normal. These results indicated the infected camels were anaemic and the function of their livers was affected. Postmortem examination showed thickened and corrugated intestinal mucosa, enlarged granulomatous mesenteric lymph nodes, miliary and diffuse granulomas in the liver (in four camels), generalized lymph node granulomas (in one camel), splenic granuloma (in one camel) and mediastinal lymph node granuloma (in two camels). Histopathological examination showed diffuse infiltration of macrophages in all organs showing lesions. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of tissue scraping and tissue sections showed masses of acid fast bacilli, except for the spleen. Infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was confirmed by PCR by targeting the IS900 gene.     

A Study on the Productivity and Diseases of Camels in Eastern Ethiopia

A study concerning performance traits of the Ethiopian camel indicated that, in the camel herds examined, there was one active bull camel for 25 females. The bull camel was 5 years old at puberty; it reached rutting vigour at the age of 9 years, the number of mountings per day was 8 during the breeding season, and the reproduction span was 10 years. The female camel reached puberty at 4 years of age; the age at first calving was 5 years, and the lactation period was one year; the calving interval was 2 years, the calving rate was 50%, and the reproduction span was 10–15 years. The survival rate of the newborn calves was 50%. The average milk yield was 2.5 L per day; the price of camel's milk was higher than that of cow's milk at US$0.5. Adult camels weighed around 500 kg; the dressing-out percentage was 52%. Mutton was preferred to camel meat, which came second in popularity, costing US$2/kg. Owing to their poor reproductive performance, camels are not efficient for producing meat. The camels worked for 16 h per day, covering 60 km. Animal health problems encountered were trypanosomosis, camel pox, camel pustular dermatitis, camel cephalopsis, dermatomycosis, mange mite, tick infestation and balantidiosis, most of which mainly affected the young animals.     

Ultrasonographic and macroscopic anatomy of the enucleated eyes of the buffalo (Bos bubalis) and the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) of different ages

The ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the normal buffalo and camel eye globes were described in 60 buffaloes (Bos bubalis) aged 1?year (28 eyes) and 10?years (32 eyes), and in 51 humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) aged 1?year (26 eyes) and 10?years (24 eyes). Ocular measurements were recorded by A- and B-scan ultrasonographic examination of 40 buffalo eyes (18 young and 22 adult eyes) and 34 camel eyes (14 young and 20 adult eyes) using a KANGH ultrasound scanner equipped with 10?MHz probe. For gross measurements, 20 buffalo and 16 camel eye globes were frozen and dissected and the same measurements were made using fine callipers macroscopically. The aqueous and vitreous humour of the buffalo and camel eyes appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule and iris appeared hyperechoic. The ocular measurements for the axial length, vitreous chamber depth (VCD), corneal thickness, lens thickness and scleroretinal rim thickness increase with the advance of age in both buffaloes and camels. Except for the anterior chamber depth, VCD and lens thickness, which were larger in adult camels than in adult buffaloes, no other differences between ocular dimensions were observed in both species. The results of this study are valuable for comparative ocular anatomy and will be useful for ultrasonographic evaluation of ocular diseases in buffaloes and camels.     

Serosurvey of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Laikipia County,Kenya

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are an important protein source for people in semi‐arid and arid regions of Africa. In Kenya, camel populations have grown dramatically in the past few decades resulting in the potential for increased disease transmission between humans and camels. An estimated four million Kenyans drink unpasteurized camel milk, which poses a disease risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of a significant zoonotic pathogen, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), among 334 camels from nine herds in Laikipia County, Kenya. Serum testing revealed 18.6% positive seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (n = 344). Increasing camel age was positively associated with C. burnetii seroprevalence (OR = 5.36). Our study confirmed that camels living in Laikipia County, Kenya, have been exposed to the zoonotic pathogen, C. burnetii. Further research to evaluate the role of camels in disease transmission to other livestock, wildlife and humans in Kenya should be conducted.     

The prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) antibodies in dromedary camels in Israel

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, MERS‐CoV, was identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and as of January 29, 2018, there were 2,123 laboratory‐confirmed MERS‐CoV cases reported to WHO (WHO, 2018, https://www.who.int/emergencies/mers-cov/en/ ). Multiple studies suggest that dromedary camels are a source for human MERS‐CoV infection. MERS‐CoV‐specific antibodies have been detected in the serum of dromedary camels across Northern Africa and across the Arabian Peninsula. Israel's geographic location places Israel at risk for MERS‐CoV infection. To date, MERS‐CoV‐related illness has not been reported and the burden of MERS‐CoV infection in the Israeli population is unknown. The seroprevalence of MERS‐CoV‐specific antibodies in Israeli dromedary camels is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MERS‐CoV seropositivity in dromedary camels in Israel. The prevalence of MERS‐CoV antibodies in Israeli camels was examined in 71 camel sera collected from four farms across Israel by MERS‐CoV‐specific microneutralization (Mnt) assay and confirmed by MERS‐CoV‐specific immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Although this study cannot rule out potential antibody cross‐reactivity by IFA, the presence of bovine coronavirus‐specific antibodies do not appear to impact detection of MERS‐CoV antibodies by Mnt. MERS‐CoV neutralizing antibodies were detectable in 51 (71.8%) camel sera, and no association was observed between the presence of neutralizing antibodies and camel age or gender. These findings extend the known range of MERS‐CoV circulation in Middle Eastern camels. The high rate of MERS‐CoV‐specific antibody seropositivity in dromedary camels in the absence of any reported human MERS cases suggests that there is still much to be learned about the dynamics of camel‐to‐human transmission of MERS‐CoV.     

Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) in some camelids from Dutch zoos

The feet of three two-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus), one lama (Lama glama) and four alpacas (Lama pacos) from zoos and a circus in the Netherlands were examined for the mange-mite Choroptes bovis. Mites were found on two of the camels, the lama, and three of the alpacas. On one camel and one alpaca small mange lesions on the feet were present. This is the first report of Chorioptes bovis and chorioptic mange in the two-humped camel.     

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in young and adult camels

OBJECTIVE: To compare the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in clinically healthy adult camels (between 3 and 8 years of age) and camel calves (less than 3 months of age). DESIGN: Laboratory analysis of serum from healthy camels. PROCEDURE: Blood was collected from 30 healthy adult camels and 30 camel calves and the serum separated. Total protein of each serum sample was estimated by automated chemistry analyser. The proteins were fractionated by automated electrophoresis on agarose gel. RESULTS: Serum proteins migrated on the agarose gel as one albumin, two alpha (alpha1 and alpha2-globulins), two beta (beta1 and beta2-globulins) and one gamma-globulin fractions. In adult camels the mean concentration of total protein, albumin alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and gamma-globulins was 56.8 +/- 1.5, 30.7 +/- 0.8, 2.4 +/- 0.1, 3.2 +/- 0.1, 9.7 +/- 0.3, 3.4 +/- 0.2 and 8.6 +/- 0.3 g/L, respectively. These values in calves were 49.7 +/- 1.8, 23.7 +/- 0.8, 3.2 +/- 0.2, 3.1 +/- 0.2, 14.2 +/- 0.2, 4.0 +/- 0.2 and 4.1 +/- 0.2 g/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: The concentration of total proteins, albumin and gamma-globulins was higher (P < 0.05) in the adult camels than in camel calves. The concentrations of beta1 globulins was higher (P < 0.05) in calves as compared to adult camels.     

Serological survey of Brucella abortus antibody prevalence in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) from eastern Sudan

A five year investigation of Brucella antibody prevalence in camel sera was conducted in 1502 one-humped camels of both sexes and different ages. The average (mean +/- SD) incidence rate of positive results was 6.95 +/- 1.55%. Among adult one-humped camels, the rate was 4.94 +/- 2.51% in males and 13.76 +/- 4.41% in females. Juvenile one-humped camel calves showed a 0% incidence rate in males and a 1.82 +/- 3.64% in females. Antibodies against Brucella abortus were prevalent in one-humped camel sera throughout the five years of the survey with incidence rates of 6.54, 5.79, 9.32, 5.03 and 8.06%, respectively from 1985 to 1989.     

建立双峰骆驼自然保护区的思考

从世界双峰驼和我国双峰驼养殖数量的变化趋势着手,结合我国生态保护政策,分析了如何保护我国双峰驼资源的问题,并提出了在双峰驼核心产区建立双峰驼自然保护区的建议。     

Species of Ticks on Camels and Their Seasonal Population Dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to identify the species of ticks found on camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal population dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia. Collection and identification of the ticks were undertaken at 2-month intervals from December 1997 to August 1999. On each occasion, all the visible adult ticks were collected from one side of the body of each of the same 17 camels. The most abundant species of ticks on the camels were Rhipiephalus pulchellus (85.2%), Hyalomma dromedarii (5.9%), Amblyomma gemma (4.0%) and Amblyomma variegatum (1.8%). The average tick load per camel was higher during rainy months than during dry months. The smallest number of ticks per camel was observed during the driest month (December), whereas the highest was recorded in the wettest month (August). Any strategy intended to mitigate problems of tick infestation of camels in this area should take into account the identified tick species and their season of abundance.     

Megakaryocytes and platelets in the spleen of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was carried out on spleens of clinically healthy camels (n = 35) of both sexes (0.5-15 years) by routine histology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using 12 anti-bovine platelet antibodies. Megakaryocytes were observed in the red pulp. Their number decreased with age: they were found in the spleens of all camels under 8 years old but only in 57% of camels over 8 years old. Only two antibodies (IVA37 and IVA38) cross-reacted with camel platelets. A large number of platelets were found in the splenic cords and the marginal zone. Ultrastructurally, the platelets were oval in shape surrounded by a plasma membrane, and their cytoplasm was rich in glycogen and contained less dense granules. Microtubules and microfilaments were found at their periphery. Several platelets were observed in the red pulp. There are similarities in some surface antigens of bovine and camel platelets. The presence of megakaryocytes in the camel spleen indicates a thrombopoietic function of the spleen until adulthood but that this decreases with age thereafter.     

A Survey of the Literature (1995–1999) on the Kinetics of Drugs in Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Recent publications dealing mainly with the kinetics of antiparasitic and antibacterial agents, NSAIDs, and other drugs in camels are briefly reviewed. The kinetic data for most of these drugs indicated that they have longer absorption and elimination half-lives and slower systemic clearance in the camel compared to other animals. This corroborates earlier reports that suggested that the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and the capacity to biotransform and eliminate xenobiotics is lower in camels than in other ruminants. There is a clear need to establish basic kinetic data for the camel in order to avoid extrapolation of drug dosage regimens and withdrawal times from data for other animals, as this may result in irrational use of drugs in camels.     

Effect of green buffer storage on the fertility of fresh camel semen after artificial insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most widely used reproductive technologies, and there is considerably interest in commercializing this technology in camels. Storage of semen extender frozen (at -20 °C) is of considerable interest to scientists working with camels, as transportation of diluents at refrigeration temperature is not always possible given the hot, arid and remote conditions that dromedary camels exist in. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the fertility of fresh camel semen, after dilution in fresh or frozen-thawed green buffer (GB), after AI into single and multiple ovulating female camels. No differences were observed in any sperm characteristics (motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity or morphology) when semen was diluted in fresh or frozen-thawed GB (p>0.05). Sperm motility was increased by dilution (fresh: 70.7 ± 4.9% and frozen: 68.8 ± 3.1%) compared with the motility of sperm in neat semen (35 ± 2.85%; p<0.05), and sperm motility changed from oscillatory to forward progressive after dilution. Pregnancy rates were higher (p<0.05) for single ovulating camels inseminated with semen diluted in fresh (72.7%) compared with frozen-thawed GB (27.3%), and fertilization rates were also higher (p<0.05) for multiple ovulating camels inseminated with semen diluted in fresh (83.3%) compared with frozen-thawed GB (11.1%). These results clearly demonstrate the detrimental effect of freezing and thawing semen diluent on the fertility of fresh camel semen. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this reduction in fertility. Moreover, these results demonstrate that the fertility of fresh camel semen diluted in fresh GB is high enough to be considered commercially viable.