The epidemiology and control of camel dermatophilosis

Abstract

Camel dermatophilosis was only recently described. It appears however that it is more widespread than originally thought. In Kenya it has generally been found in the main semi-arid camel rearing areas of Samburu and Laikipia districts although it has not yet been found in the arid areas of Turkana district. In an investigation of ticks on 200 camels, no Amblyomma variegatum ticks were found although many other ticks were present. A. variegatum is suspected to transmit dermatophilosis in many domestic animals. The only control method of dermatophilosis currently practised in Kenya is in one commercial farm, where camels are regularly washed with a 1 % potassium aluminium sulphate solution. The camels have shown progressive improvement. Recently, some 50 camels imported from Pakistan in this farm came down with a severe skin infection which closely resembled dermatophilosis. All imported adult camels were involved although no calves were involved. Since no bacteria were isolated from all the sick camels, it was thought to be due to vitamin deficiency.