Gastrointestinal Parasite Infestation of the Dromedary Camel (<i>Camelus dromedarius</i>) in Southern Algeria

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal samples of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria based on microscopic examination. A total of 46 fresh fecal samples were collected in the southern Algerian towns of Adrar, Tindouf, Ourgla, and Ain Salah, and nine samples from camel farms in Constantine. Samples were examined with the flotation technique. Results showed an infestation rate of dromedaries of 32.6% (15/46), with seven different gastrointestinal species: 25.4% protozoa (Balantidium coli, Eimeria dromederi), 16.3% nematodes (Nematodirus spp., Trichuris spp., others strongles), and 3.6% cestodes (Moniezia spp.). Dromedaries are more infested with protozoa than with nematodes or cestodes (p p p < 0.05).

Keywords

• dromedary camels
• gastrointestinal parasites
• southern Algeria
• flotation technique