Ectoparasites of Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Afar Pastoral Areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

Camel external parasites are important health problems that have the potential to affect camel welfare and productivity. A cross-sectional study using ectoparasitic examination and key informant interviews was done in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in some districts of Afar region, Northeast Ethiopia, to investigate major external parasites and to collect the required information. A total of 384 camels were examined for the presence of any external parasite and 368 (95.8%) of them were infested at least with one of the different genera of ticks, sucking lice, Sarcoptes mange, and a camel nasal fly called Cephalopina titillator. Tick infestation (89.1%) followed by mange (36.7%) were the main ectoparasites found in the study area. Mixed infestations of ticks with mange (30.2%) and ticks with lice (19.8%) were higher than the other types of camel ectoparasite infestation. Around 1424 male and female ticks were collected and identified as the genera of Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, and Boophilus. A higher incidence and spread of external parasites have occurred in areas having cross-border salt trade by camels and mixing of herds at the feeding and watering points. Hence, education on modern camel husbandry and management to the camel owners and regular antiparasitic treatment and preventive measures has to be conducted continuously.