1. 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

2. 1. Geographical and Climate Factors
Kuwait lies between latitudes and north, and longitudes and east.
The total area of Kuwait is 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

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

4. 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
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

5. 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
27297
Total
2169 camels were imported in 2015 for breeding and slaughter purposes. 1

6. Geographical distribution of livestock

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Thank You …..