Epidemiological aspects of important diseases of camels in selected areas of Kenya.

Abstract

Periodic laboratory tests and clinical examinations were carried out in 4 herds of dromedaries between August 1979 and January 1981. Trypanosomiasis (probably due to Trypanosoma evansi) was endemic in all herds; T. congolense infection was found in two. Gastro-intestinal nematodes, primarily Haemonchus contortus, assumed clinical importance in two herds in which management was poor. Common ticks were Hyalomma dromedarii, H. rufipes, Rhipicephalus pulchellus and Amblyomma gemma. There was no case of tick fever. Sarcoptic mange was common. Camel pox was endemic in all herds, and was responsible for the death of young dromedaries. Antibodies to aphthovirus were present in a small proportion of serum samples, and to Brucella abortus in 6 to 38% of samples. Losses of young dromedaries from malnutrition were high in a poorly-managed herd.