Onchocerciasis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACTDuring a survey in 1980–81, 125 of 478 (26·2%) camels in Saudi Arabia were found infected with onchoccrciasis. The prevalence rates in local and imported camels were 93/272 (34·2%) and 32/206 (15·5%), respectively. The disease was characterized by hard nodules in the connective tissue around the nuchal ligaments and in the subcutis. The nodules consisted of cavities containing live, degenerate or dead Onchocercafasciata, inflammatory cells, fibrosis and calcification. The microfilariac were concentrated in the skin over the head and neck regions and often caused mild non-suppurativc dermatitis.