Veterinary Research Forum

Trypanosomiasis of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria: First report

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Omar Bennoune 1
Nezar Adili 1
Khaled Amri 2
Lakhdar Bennecib 2
Ammar Ayachi 1

1 Laboratory of Health, Animal Production and Environment, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Batna, Batna, Algeria

2 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Batna, Batna, Algeria

Abstract
Camel trypanosomosis is a life-threatening disease in the camel species and responsible for severe economic losses either in milk or meat productions. This study was carried out on the south-east area of Algeria on 100 camels of various ages and either sex from two herds. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed higher levels of trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi, an elongated parasite with a kinetoplast and a single nucleus located in its half-length and one flagellum with great heterogeneity. This first investigation reveals higher infection rate than those observed in other countries using blood smears, the trypanosomosis attack has reached an alarming level and the occurrence of trypanosomosis at this high level on blood smears is like "the tree that hides the forest" and make up a serious and potential danger both on animal and public health. Therefore, radical preventive and offensive drastic measures must be taken against this menacing disease at the critical points to prevent the economic losses and to avoid possible human transmission.

Keywords

Blood smears
camel
parasite
Trypanosomiasis
Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
December 2013
Pages 273-275

  • Receive Date 13 January 2012
  • Accept Date 26 May 2012

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