Abstract:
A cross – sectional study was conducted from August – September (2018)to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of camels and associated risk factors such as age groups ,sex, breed, health status and water sources in Al-Butana Area in River Nile State. For that purpose, a total of 148 camels were sampled according to non–probability multi stage cluster sampling method. Faecals samples were collected direct from the rectum of the camels. The faeces collected in plastic containers in formalin solution 10%, labeled, and transferred to the laboratory for faecal examinations (flotation and sedimentation). Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis by using SPSS version 20. The result revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of camel in Al-Butana Area in River Nile state was 58.8% (n= 87). The prevalence by location revealed that the highest prevalence 64.2% (n = 43) was recorded in the East (Umm Shadeeda – Wadi Bseria) followed by South ( Meaa Al-Gedehat and Oagad- Alegool) 60..0% (n = 24), West (Wadi Taweel , Shandi and Hafeer Umm- Sunot) 53.1% (n = 17) and North ( Aldamer) 33.3% (n = 3). Statistically, there was no significant difference observed (χ2 = 3.658, P–value = 0. 301). The most dominant gastrointestinal parasites were Strongyle/ Trichostrongyle egg 76.8% (n = 67) and (Eimeria Spp.) 18.4% (n = 16). In contrast, Moniezia Spp. And Trichuris Spp.were observed with low percentage 2.3% (n = 2), and 2.3% (n=2), respectively. On the other hand, a positive association (χ2 =30.973, P-value 0.014) was reported for different age group with respect to presence of gastrointestinal parasites and highest positive cases were observed in age group > 5 years. Furthermore, breed was shown a great effect on presence of gastrointestinal parasites in camels (χ2 = 10.993, P-value = 0.012). The highest prevalence was recorded for Araby 73.6 % (n= 39) followed by Anafy 60.0% (n=24), Dlaamy 48.6% (n= 17) and Bushari 35.0% (n= 7). Similarly, poor health status and source of water such as Meaa and Hafeer were found to be associated with the presence of gastrointestinal parasites at significant level P-value< 0.05.
In conclusion, a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was recorded in the current research work which indicates spread of infection that may reduce the productivity of the camels. Hence, more epidemiological studies are required as well as an attention should be made regarding application of control measures to minimize the level of infection.
