Camel pox in the calf in Morocco. Identification of the isolated virus. Development and application to prophylaxis

Abstract

Camel pox is a major disease of camels. The virus (Orthopoxvirus cameli) was isolated in Morocco after eight passages of the strain on Vero cells; it was named T8. An inactivated vaccine was developed and assessed by the seroneutralization test and determination of the protection index after challenge. Starting in 1993 it was used in vaccination campaigns in Morocco. Every year 15,000 young camels are immunized. It is totally innocuous and its efficacy is acknowledged.