Trypanosomiasis
Not all trypanosomiasis parasites are transmitted by the tsetse fly. Trypanosoma evansi (thryps) is a very serious camel parasite mostly spread by biting flies. The parasite replicates in camels, horses, dogs, cattle, water-buffaloes and elephants. Equines and dogs are susceptible and usually die from the infection. Cattle sheep, goats and antelopes often become infected and act as asymptomatic carriers.
Symptoms: Thryps affects camels of all ages, with a higher incidence of disease in sub-adult camels shortly after weaning. Many environmental and host factors have impact on the course of the disease such as other infections, nutritional status, age, pregnancy, previous exposure, etc. If the several of the following symptoms are present in an animal, it is wise to get it tested and if positive, get it treated:
- Visible weight loss, the hump starts drooping
- Lack of appetite
- Swellings (oedema) may appear on feet, brisket, underbelly and eyelids
- Fluctuating body temperature with initial peaks of fever up to 41degC
- Shivering
- Mild diarrhea
- Different smell of urine
- Abortion
Diagnosis: The best tool for diagnosing thryps in the field is a battery-operated mini centrifuge for testing the camels blood. Such equipment should be operated by a vet or other trained animal health officers.
Treatment: The best drug to combat thryps currently is Triquin. In order to calculate the correct dose the approximate weight of the sick camel must be known (see Bodyweight estimation).
NOTE: Triquin is only meant to treat camels. Do not use on any other animal. Examples are known of goats being injected with this drug and dying immediately.
Other important camel diseases are:
Skin Diseases of Camels
- Camel Pox
- Sarcoptic Mange
- Ringworm
- Ticks
- Flies
- Bacteriological skin infections
- Abscesses of the skin and external lymph nodes
Gastrointestinal helminthes of camels
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Liver Flukes
List of Laboratories for analysis of camel diseases
- Analabs, Kenya Limited; P. O. Box Nairobi
- Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Marsabit; P.O Box 147-60500; Tel.+254 069 210 2040; Fax +254 069 210 2220
- KARI, Trypanosomosis Research Centre; P.O. Box 362 – 00902 Kikuyu; Tel. +254 66 32960/4; Fax +254 66 32397; E-mail trccd@kari-trc.org, ketri2@bidii.com
- KALRO, National Veterinary Research Centre; P. O. Box 32 – 00902 Kikuyu; Tel. +254 066 32106/2, 32000, 32703; Fax +254 066 32450; E-mail vrckari@yahoo.com