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Investigation of Intestinal Parasitic Pathogens and Risk Factors Leading to Infectious Diarrhea Complex in Camel Calves in Selected Districts of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Even though diarrhea is a significant cause of mortality and poor body weight gain in camel calves in Ethiopia, very scanty information is available on its cause and associated risk factors. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2013 to December 2014 with the objective of investigating intestinal parasitic pathogens and risk factors associated with camel calf diarrhea in selected districts of Afar region. A total of 384 fecal samples from diarrheic, convalescent and apparently healthy camel calves aged 12 months or younger were collected and processed using standard conventional assays. Out of the 384 camel calves examined, 246 (64.06%) were diagnosed as harboring one or more GI parasites at varying levels. Strongyl, 47.5% and Trichostrongylus, 19.2% were the leading parasitic species isolated from the GIT of apparently healthy calves. Fecal samples collected from diarrheic calves revealed high prevalence of Cryptosporidium (37.9%) which was followed by Eimeria and Strongyl species each contributed for 27.1% and 16.4% of the total parasitic count, respectively. Analysis of the questionnaire data revealed malpractices in the areas of colostrum feeding, calf barn sanitation and health management, among others, across the studied communities. Age and colostrum feeding were among the major risk factors associated with parasitic isolation and calf diarrhea. Accordingly, young calves (0-3 months old) that didn't consume colostrum or received small amount of colostrum late in their life were at a significantly high risk of being affected with diarrhea (P<0.05). Furthermore, this study supports the assertion of Cryptosporidium species as being the most important pathogen involved in camel calf diarrhea and has important public health implication. Extension work to advance care to camel calves and ensuring ingestion of adequate colostrum within the first 6 hours after birth is crucial to enhance calf survival.

Source: Ethiopian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Production (EJVSAP)

Authors: Gebru, Mu-uz, Zeru, Fikre, Hadush, Angesom, Girmay, Shishay

Institutions: Mekelle University, Samara University

Language: English

Topic: Helminth infection and control

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7081143234

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