| dc.description.abstract | This study was undertaken to identify the types of helminth
parasites in camels, their prevalence rates in different seasons, the
effects of age and sex of camels on helminth infestation rates and to
compare the efficacy of three anthelmintics, namely albendazole,
levamisole and thiophanate in the treatment of gastrointestinal
nematodes in camels (Carne/us dromedarius) owned by the local
community in Lorroki Division, Samburu District, Kenya.
During the survey, 255 camels had their faecal samples taken once
over a period of five months. These included 59 camels in
November 1992, 66 in December 1992, 47 in January 1993, 46 in
February 1993 and 37 in March 1993. The faecal samples were
subjected to the McMaster egg counting technique and coproculture.
The worm eggs and recovered nematode larvae were identified
using standard parasitological techniques.
Blood was collected in heparinized capillary tubes for
determination of the packed cell volume (peV) which was used as
an indicator of the anemia status. Examination of the buffy coat and
blood smears was done to rule ou t the presence of haemoparasi tes.
Out of the 255 camels examined as previously described, 76
clinically healthy camels but which had moderate to heavy worm
egg counts (EPG of more than 400) were selected and used in the
anthelmintic drug study. These camels which included both males
and females comprised all age groups. pev values for all the
animals was determined once. before and one mon th after
treatment. The selected camels were randomly distributed (n=19) by
age, sex, EPG counts and household into three treatment and one
control group.
The survey on helminthiasis showed that peak strongyle worm
egg counts in this area occur during and soon after the rains. Calves
and adults had higher worm egg counts than immatures. When
assessing the effects of sex on worm egg burdens, it was found that
female camels had higher (p < 0.05) worm egg counts than males.
The data showed that 80% of all eggs that were identified were
those of strongyle nematodes. Other parasite eggs identified included
those of tapeworms (especially Moniezia spp), Strongyloides spp,
Trichuris spp. and Fasciola spp. Larval culture and identification
showed that Haemonchus spp and Trichostrongylus spp were the
most common and probably the most pathogenic gastrointestinal
helminths of camels in this area. Other nematode parasites
identified included Cooperia spp, Bunostomum spp,
Oesophagostomum spp, Strongyloides spp and Ostertagia spp.
When assessing the efficacy of the three drugs studied, it was
found that the mean rcv values in all the treated camels were
significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the untreated controls
one month after treatment.
The present study indicates that thiophanate at a dose of 60 mg/kg
body weight was the best drug as shown by the significant reduction
in the post-treatment nematode worm egg counts. Albendazole at a
dose of 10 mg/kg and levamisole (at a dose of 10 mg/kg) came next
in that order with levarnisole being the least effective.
This study reports, for the first time, the presence of Fasciola spp
in camels in Kenya. It also indicates that peak worm infestations
occur mostly during the rain season and that Haemonchus spp is the
most common GIT parasite in camels.The study also showed that
thiophanate and albendazole promise to be highly effective, safe and
fast acting drugs for use in treating nematode infections in camels of
all ages. | en |
