Survey on Prevalence of Haemoparasites of Trade Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Maiduguri; Nigeria

In an attempt to evaluate the prevalence of haemoparasites in trade camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at the Maiduguri abattoir, whole blood samples were collected and tested. Out of 202 total blood samples collected and examined microscopically for the presence of one or more haemoparasite species an overall prevalence rate of 60.4% was found in Maiduguri. Babesia species 49(24.3%) were found to be more prevalent, followed by Anaplasma species 41(20.3%) and Trypanosoma species 32(15.8%) respectively. Considering the risk factors associated with prevalence of haemoparasites in camels in the study area, higher prevalence was found in female camels 73(36.1%) than the male camels 49(24.3%), although there was no significant statistical difference in prevalence rate amongst the sexes. However, haemoparasitic infection was found to be more frequent in camels during the rainy season 82(40.6%) as compared to dry season 40(19.8%), there was a statistical significant difference (p < 0.0001) between the prevalent rates among the season. It was therefore concluded that there is a high prevalence of haemoparasitic infections in trade camel which may constitute a major health and economic problem in the camel production; therefore there is a need for routine vaccination and periodic medication against haemoparasitic infections of camels in the Arid and Semiarid Northeastern Nigeria.