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

Summary

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.     

双峰驼髂内动脉的形态学观察

采用血管内灌注有色油画颜料的方法,解剖观察了双峰驼髂内动脉的分支及分布情况.髂内动脉是骨盆部动脉的主干,其分支有脐动脉、臀前动脉、闭孔动脉、臀后动脉和阴部内动脉.阴部内动脉的分支有阴道动脉、直肠中动脉、会阴腹侧动脉和阴蒂动脉.在双峰驼未见有会阴背侧动脉.还就双峰驼和其它家畜髂内动脉的解剖学特点进行了比较讨论.     

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.     

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.     

Community Perceptions of Important Camel Diseases in Lapur Division of Turkana District,Kenya

This paper presents the results of a study conducted in Lapur Division of Turkana District, Kenya, to estimate the incidence and mortality of camel trypanosomosis using participatory methods. Four livestock camps ('adakars') were conveniently selected for the study. Four informant groups comprising 6 8 key persons were used for the participatory exercises. The camel diseases identified by the pastoralists in their order of importance according to annual incidence were: trypanosomosis (11.4%); mange (10.8%); tick infestation (7.9%); haemorrhagic septicaemia (7.7%); and non-specific diarrhoea (7.6%). Almost half (49.3%) of the camel population suffered from at least one disease over the previous year. The annual incidence and mortality rates of trypanosomosis were estimated at 15%, and 9.9%, in adult camels and 6.9% and 5.2%, in young camels, respectively. There was a seasonal occurrence of trypanosomosis, with most cases reported in the dry season. The prevalence levels of the disease reportedly declined from about 100%, in 1978 to an almost stable state of about 15% in 2002. This study revealed that camel trypanosomosis is still an important disease in Turkana District, exacting a heavy toll in terms of morbidity and mortality. The economic losses due to the disease were likely to have been great owing to the central role the camel plays in this arid district of Kenya.     

Development of a diagnostic blood test for tuberculosis in alpacas (Lama pacos)

Vaccination of alpacas (Lama pacos) with heat-killed Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) in oil adjuvant produces an immune response that is able to be measured in vitro. Lymphocyte transformation was present 2 weeks after boosting while antibody as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was present 4-6 weeks after primary vaccination. Two vaccinated animals were positive to the intradermal skin test at the conclusion of the experiment and showed signs of systemic inflammation 72 hours after the skin test, while the controls remained negative for all tests. The BCG vaccine studies showed that these laboratory tests can also identify M. bovis-specific reactivity, so the technique has potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in alpacas. Apart from diagnosing M. bovis-specific reactivity, the blood test for tuberculosis may also be used to diagnose non-specific mycobacterial sensitisation in farmed New Zealand alpacas.     

Septicemic salmonellosis in a two-humped camel calf (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus bactrianus</Emphasis>)

A 1-week old, two-humped female camel (Camelus bactrianus) calf with continual whining, epiphora, anorexia, muscle twitching, and lateral recumbency was referred to a veterinary hospital. Although she died shortly after preliminary clinical examination, but necropsy was performed and tissue samples were taken for further microbiological and pathological examinations. On bacteriological investigation, Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus agalactiae were isolated. Histopathologically, lesions consisted of hyperemia and hemorrhage in all serosal and mucosal surfaces, gastroenteritis, and purulent ascites, associated with suppurative omphalitis. Acute nutmeg liver demonstrated centrilobular congestion and moderate fatty changes without any inflammatory cell infiltration. The abomasal and intestinal mucosa were hemorrhagic and erosive. The brain was hyperemic with severe fibrinopurulent meningoencephalitis. Except for dromedary camels and llamas, there has been no previous report of an acute, fatal septicemia in a two-humped camel calf due to S. typhimurium accompanied by S. agalactiae.     

Sarcoptic mange in three alpacas treated successfully with amitraz

Sarcoptic mange is a serious skin disease in alpacas that can result in high morbidity and even mortality. Three alpacas were presented with sarcoptic mange that had previously failed to respond to repeated topical applications of eprinomectin, and an injection of doramectin. They were moderately to severely pruritic, had extensive lesions of alopecia, erythema, scaling and crusting, and had lost weight. As no drug is currently licensed for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in alpacas in the UK, they were treated with a topical solution of amitraz (50 mL in 10 L) after initial bathing with antibacterial or keratolytic shampoos. The clinical signs completely resolved with no relapse over a 10-month follow-up period. In this small group of alpacas, amitraz was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for sarcoptic mange.     

新疆引进羊驼遗传多样性与系统发育研究

为充分了解引进羊驼的遗传多样性和系统发育关系,本试验采集了新疆3个地区（阿勒泰市青河县、塔城市和天山野生动物园）39只羊驼血液样品,对其线粒体D-loop基因进行了扩增和测序,得到长度为733 bp的片段序列,群体单倍型多样度（Hd）为0.954,核苷酸多样性（Pi）为0.0091,基因流（Nm）为1.97。39条序列共定义了25种单倍型,其中单倍型H7是群体共享最多的单倍型。3个地区羊驼群体之间的遗传距离很小,为0.002~0.003;羊驼与美洲驼、原驼、骆马间的遗传距离为0.002、0.004、0.017,与双峰驼的遗传距离最大,为0.050~0.051,聚类分析发现,3个地区羊驼基本聚为一大支,而且与美洲驼、骆马、原驼亲缘关系较近,双峰驼单独聚为一支。综合分析,新疆引进的羊驼遗传多样性丰富,群体间遗传分化程度较小,基因交流水平较高,羊驼与美洲驼、原驼和骆马之间亲缘关系最近,与双峰驼亲缘关系较远。     

Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationship of Introduced Alpaca in Xinjiang

In order to understand the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of the alpacas,39 blood samples of alpaca were collected in 3 places of Xinjiang (Qinghe county of Aletai city,Tacheng city and Tianshan wildlife park) and mitochondrial D-loop gene was amplified and sequenced. The results showed that 733 bp fragment was obtained. The population haplotype diversity (Hd),nucleotide diversity (Pi) and gene flow (Nm) was 0.954,0.0091 and 1.97,respectively. 25 haplotypes were defined among the 39 gene sequences,and H7 was the most shared haplotype by groups. The genetic distance of three alpaca groups was small (0.002 to 0.003). The genetic distance between alpaca and Lama glama,Lama guanicoe and Vicugna was 0.002,0.004 and 0.017,respectively. The genetic distance between alpaca and Camelus bactrianus was the highest (0.050 to 0.051).The results of cluster analysis showed that three alpaca groups were gathered first,and then gathered with Lama glama,Lama guanicoe and Vicugna, Camelus bactrianus belonged to another branch along. In conlusion,the genetic diversity and gene flow level of alpacas in Xinjiang was high and the genetic differentiation was relatively small. The genetic relationships between alpaca and Lama glama,Lama guanicoe and Vicugna were close, that with Camelus bactrianus was relatively far.     

A case of very serious Sarcoptes mange in alpacas (Lama pacos)

After the diagnosis sarcoptic mange in four alpaca's (Lama pacos) we have tried to control this infection. Despite three treatments with doramectin, three with ivermectin, four with amitraz and two with diazinon we were unable to get the animals free of Sarcoptes mites and their condition deteriorated. One animal died six month after the first treatment. The three remaining animals were euthanized one month thereafter.     

A survey of some drugs commonly used in the camel

Specific recommendations for drug dosages for the camel are rare and doses for this species are usually extrapolated from those recommended for other species. The pharmacology and toxicity of drugs likely to be used in the camel needs to be further studied to ensure the efficacy and safety of these drugs in this species.Most of the reported work is on the chemotherapeutic efficacy of a few drugs long in use in other species against trypanosomiasis, mange and gastrointestinal nematodes. Areas of study most deficient are pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism. The anatomical, physiological and biochemical peculiarities of the camel warrant more pharmacological and toxicological studies in this species.This article surveys the literature on the pharmacology, toxicity and therapeutic uses of some antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs and central nervous system depressants commonly used in the camel. It appears that camels are more susceptible to the toxic action of some trypanocidal drugs than other species. In certain cases they may metabolize some drugs differently. In general, the camel appears to be a good subject for analgesics and anaesthetics.     

不同被毛颜色羊驼皮肤组织中成熟黑色素细胞的组织学分析

羊驼是已知家养动物中天然被毛颜色最为丰富的动物之一,本研究旨在在组织水平上观察不同被毛颜色羊驼皮肤组织中成熟黑色素细胞的分布与定位,以揭示羊驼丰富被毛颜色发生的细胞学机制。试验选择白色被毛和有色被毛成年羊驼各1头,盛毛期体侧取样,制备石蜡切片,分别采用多巴染色、甲苯胺蓝染色及多巴—甲苯胺蓝复染,光镜观察、拍照。结果表明,在不同被毛颜色羊驼皮肤组织中均有成熟黑色素细胞的分布,但是分布规律不同,在有色被毛皮肤组织主要分布于毛根成形部,在毛根永久部及表皮也有分布,但是数量较少;白色被毛组织主要分布于表皮,在毛根成形部分布很少,而在真皮部及毛根永久部有少量分布。结果提示:1)羊驼不同被毛颜色发生取决于毛根成形部成熟黑色素细胞的数量;2)从一个侧面佐证了毛囊黑色素细胞与皮肤黑色素细胞在执行功能以及它们所接受的调节信号是不同的。     

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.     

哺乳动物精清诱导排卵活性蛋白质研究

在动物的精清里包含一些与动物生殖生理活动密切相关的活性蛋白和多肽。驼科动物的双峰驼、美洲驼、羊驼和澳洲考拉等哺乳动物精清中含有类似促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)作用的活性蛋白质,诱导排卵因子(ovulation inducing factor,OIF),它能引发外周血液中促黄体素(LH)峰浓度的出现和诱发母畜排卵。OIF被认为是一种新的生物活性蛋白质或潜在的新型激素。甚至报道在牛等自发排卵动物以及人精清中也存在类似的活性蛋白。这类因子的发现对于哺乳动物生殖生理及繁殖的深入研究具有重要的意义,有助于动物克服繁殖障碍及繁殖疾病的治疗等。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dermoid cysts in camels

In our experience the camel (Camelus dromedarius) seems to be affected more commonly by dermoid cysts as compared to other cutaneous cysts. However, apart from one reference (Monteverde, 1935), the dermoid cyst has not been reported in the camel. This report documents dermoid cysts in identical locations in 11 camels with two camels having bilateral dermoid cysts at the similar site.     

Characterization of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi from dromedary camels in Kuwait by isoenzyme electrophoresis

Blood from 115 camels in Kuwait was examined for blood parasites. Two camels of a local herd (1.7%) were found to be infected with Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi and three camels (2.6%) with microfilarial nematodes. The Trypanosoma stocks isolated from these two camels were screened for isoenzyme patterns of 10 enzymes using thin-layer starch-gel electrophoresis. The results revealed that these two stocks were identical to camel stocks of T. evansi from certain countries in Africa, as well as to two stocks isolated from dogs in Kuwait. This is the first record of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi isolates and microfilariae from camels in Kuwait.