Country Report: Camel Diseases Dr. talal kh m s h al azemi Epidemiology and Zoonoses Animal Health Department Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources State of Kuwait February 14-16 2016

1. Geographical and Climate Factors Kuwait lies between latitudes 28.30 and 30.06 north, and longitudes 46.30 and 49.00 east. The total area of Kuwait is 17.818 square Kilometers. Kuwait is famous for its flat topography and slightly uneven desert. Kuwait is divided into six governorates, i.e., Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahrah, Al Ahmadi, Kuwait city (capital of Kuwait), Mubarak Al Kabeer and Hawalli. Temperature Summer Winter High Low 50◦ 33◦ 23◦ 0◦ -18◦ 1

Administrative Governorates Al Jahrah and Al Ahmadi are larger governorates contains more rural areas. Livestock population mostly present in these two governorates. 1

Livestock Population in 2015 Species Governorate Number of animals Type of management Cattle Jahrah/Ahmadi 27297 Intensive Sheep 962100 Semi intensive Goats Jahrah/ Ahmadi 242246 Semi Intensive Horse 5307 Camels 75000 Poultry 51658352 Camels are being reared as traditional animals in this region. Considered as economically important animal. Being reared for breeding, slaughter, racing and exhibiting purposes. Being reared as flock ranging from small to large flock. 1

Distribution of livestock Equine Camels Sheep & goats cattle Area 1433 38056 442799 2100 Kebd 1492 5787 144993 1250 Wafra 573 14749 123834 1852 Mina Abdullah 145 6654 261111 1900 Abdally 68 9754 231609 150 Jahrah --- -- 20045 Sulaibiyah 3711 75000 1204346 27297 Total 2169 camels were imported in 2015 for breeding and slaughter purposes. 1

Geographical distribution of livestock

Important Parasitic diseases OIE listed Dromedary Camel diseases Viral Diseases Camel pox, Rabies, Rift Valley Fever Significant diseases African horse sickness, Bluetongue, Bovine virus Diarrhoea, PPR Potential carrier Bacterial Diseases Anthrax, B. melitensis, Haemorrhagic septicaemia, Johne's Disease   Leptospirosis, Q. fever, Tuberculosis Important Parasitic diseases Echinococcosis/Hydatidosis, Trypanosomosis

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome of Corona Virus (MERS CoV). Emerging disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome of Corona Virus (MERS CoV). Start of the event: 6 May 2014  Date of confirmation: 10 June 2014  Number of outbreaks: 2 Areas: Abdally and Nuwaiseeb  Causal agent: MERS CoV Susceptible animals: 68 Affected population: camels   Number of cases: five   Morbidity: 7.9% Mortality: Nil

Notification to OIE b. Reason for notification: Emerging disease   a. Date of notification: 11 June 2014 b. Reason for notification: Emerging disease   Control Measures: a. Isolation b.   Movement restriction c.   Zoning d.   Disinfection of the affected premises e.      No vaccination 2.1.4. Zoonotic impact: No zoonotic impact.

Active surveillance for MERS CoV. Affected areas brought under supervision of veterinary Authority.   Repeated testing in an affected areas and random sampling in an unaffected areas proved as negative by RRT- PCR for MERS CoV.    Genetic analysis done at International laboratory, Austria.  Outbreak events resolved on 9 July 2014.  

Name of the Diseases Year 2015 Camel diseases reported in 2015 OIE Non listed diseases Name of the Diseases Year 2015 Bacterial Diseases Escherchia coli(E,coli) January E.coli February Streptococcus & Staphylococcus March Pasteurella, Salmonella, E.coli April May - August Brucellosis(OIE listed) November December Parasites Internal parasites: Coccidia and imeria spp April, June, July, December External Parasites: Mange infection May

Diagnosis of camel diseases Diagnostic tests such as cultivation, isolation and identification available for some non listed endemic diseases. Diagnostic tests available for some OIE listed diseases to camels namely Brucellosis, Bluetongue, PPR and Rift valley fever. However validation of the test is required. Diagnostic test for camel pox available.

Vaccination for camel diseases Currently no official vaccination is being carried out in camels. Camel Pox vaccine may be used as emergency vaccine in response to outbreak.

Laboratory network for camels suitable diagnostic test(s) should be validated for diagnostic purpose. Surveillance activities will be enhanced in this region. Regional laboratory for camel diseases may be established.

Thank You …..