2. HELMINTHOSES
M.B. CHHABRA* and S.K. GUPTA
Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Sciences
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125 004, INDIA
*Present address : 2518, Sector D-2, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110 070, India
ABSTRACT
Despite being usually reared under harsh environment, unsuitable for propagation and transmission of helminths, camels are capable of harbouring a fairly large variety of these parasites. There is paucity of literature as helminthic infections of camels are generally regarded less of a problem than those in other ruminants. However, gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are known to undermine the overall health and productivity of camels. The camel stomach worm Haemonchus longistipes is the most pathogenic strongyle nematode of camels. A voracious blood sucker, it may be associated with clinical disease which can be fatal. Trichostrongyles are very common and may contribute to the debilitating effects of GIN. Extraintestinal nematodes commonly parasitising camels include Onchocerca fasciata, which characteristically produces subcutaneous nodules in the head and neck regions; the filarial worm Dipetalonema evansi, the eye worm Thelazia spp., and rarely the lungworms (Dictyocaulus spp. or Protostrongylus spp.). Among larval cestodes, hydatid cysts are commonly reported while Cysticercus and Coenurus are infrequent. This review combines information gleaned from recent reports on prevalence, epidemiology and clinical aspects of helminthoses of the dromedary camels. The compilation also includes progress in anthelmintics relevant to the control of helminths in camels. It is intended to serve as guide for planning future investigations in this field.
Key words: Camels, dromedary, helminth parasites, helminthoses, parasites
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