Study about the types of blood parasites that infect Iraqi camels and their infection rate in AL-Furat Al-Awsat Governorates

Abstract

Field epidemiological survey was conducted to find out the types and percentage of blood parasites infecting Iraqi camels in the governorates of AL-Furat AL-Awsat governorates (Karbala, AL-Najaf, AL-Qadisiyah, Babel and AL-Muthanna). A total of 125 blood samples for both sexes were collected randomly from camels that were coming for treatment in clinics veterinary services for the aforementioned governorates for a period time from 1/4/2020 to 1/4/2021, where the ages of the camels were (less than one year and 20 years), some of these camels were in a very good health condition ( un infected camels) about (27) animals; while the other not ( infected camels) about (98) animals .(2) mm of blood volume was collected from the jugular vein and placed in containers containing an anticoagulant (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid EDTA). We see the highest number and percentage of infection were, respectively, of Anaplasma parasite in (37) with a rate of (29.6%), then the Babesia parasite with a number of (25) by (20%), then the Theileria parasite with a number of (19) by (15.2%); the lowest percentage was infection with a blood parasite by trypanosomes with a number of (17) by (13.6%); Thus, the types of blood parasites recorded a significant statistical difference at the level (P ≥ 0.05). The results of the clinical examination showed that there was a statistically significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) between the groups of uninfected and infected camels in sex and age. The infection of females was much higher than that of males at a rate of (52%) in females, while (26.4%) in males. Upon statistical analysis of this result, it was found that there was a significant statistical difference at the level of (P ≥ 0.05) between males and females. As for the results of examining blood slides for infection with parasites and their relationship with the age of the animal and for all types of parasites, it showed that the highest number and percentage of infection for all types of parasites was at young ages (5 years - 10 years) and the lowest percentage of infection also for all types of parasites was at ages (11 years - 15 years) this result not record statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). Our study recommended that making periodic teams to treat flies and ticks and to give medicines that treat all parasites; carrying out extensive studies on camel blood diseases because of their impact on camel productivity then affecting the economy of the country; carrying out preventive programs by mobile teams to give vaccines, vitamins and all preventive medicines; carrying out research studies to find out whether camel blood parasites are transmitted to humans or not conducting a study to find out if there are negative effects of camels infected with parasites on people who are in direct contact with them.