Ectoparasitic Burden of Camels under Pastoral Management in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Camels are suffering from wide range of diseases of which external parasites are the most common ones. Three seasonal surveys were carried out in Borana areas to investigate the external parasitic burden among 1227 camels. Results showed that mange mite (35.4%) and ticks (66.4%) were widely prevalent among the study camels. Sarcoptes mange identified from skin scrapings was found to be responsible for camel skin infestation. A total of 1164 ticks were collected and six tick species were identified. Rhipicephalus pulchellus was the most prevalent species (77.5%) followed by Amblyoma gemma (12.6%), Hyaloma dromedarii (4.3%), R. evertsi (3.6%), A. variegatum (1.5%) and A. lepidum (0.4%). Mange mite was more prevalent during the dry season, in young and male camels, camels owned by Gabra, and large herds compared to their counter parts. There was also a significant association between poor body condition and mange mite occurrence. Tick infestations were higher during minor wet season (82.3%) compared to dry season (58.4%). Higher prevalence of tick infestations were recorded for Borana herds, older and female camels compared to Gabra and young camels. Animals in poor body condition were more infested with ticks than those in good body conditions. High prevalence of mange mite and tick infestation among the study camels indicates inadequate ecto-parasite control in the area. Hence, mange mite and ticks are destructive parasites that hinder productivity of camels and require effective control measures.