Outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in camels {Camelus dromedarius) in the Turkana district of Kenya
Abstract
Mortality among camel calves (Camelus dromedarius) is one of the
most serious problems faced by camel herdsmen and, although there are several
reasons for this mortality, diseases play a major role. In an investigation of
outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in camels in the Turkana district of Kenya,
four outbreaks were detected involving only camel calves. The principal lesions
were distinct or largely coalesced pustules on the mouth, nose and muzzle.
Direct electron microscopy of infected scabs was used to confirm the presence
of the virus. Secondary infection of the pustules was common in affected calves.
Morbidity in affected herds was 100%, with no adult involvement. Affected
calves were unable to suckle properly. In all outbreaks, there was a concurrent
outbreak of contagious pustular dermatitis in goat kids in the same household.
Contagious ecthyma is an important disease in camels, contributing to calf
debility and eventually to high calf mortality.
Citation
Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 1994,13 (3), 939-945Publisher
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology & Parasitology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi