Conference in The Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference

June 7^th, 2023

Vazquez-Fernandez E., Rebollada A., Perez-Perez A., Porras N. and Rodriguez-Bertos A.

Domesticated dromedary camels are generally found in the arid regions of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Australia, where they are mainly used for milk and meat production, or camel races. In these regions, camel-borne diseases such as MERS-CoV-2, brucellosis, tuberculosis, or Rift Valley Fever, among others, have caused diverse zoonotic outbreaks. These zoonotic infections are not exclusive to areas with a high camel population density, but transmission can, and does indeed occur, in regions with a very small number of animals. In Spain, unlike in the rest of Europe, sparse populations of dromedaries can be found in the south and east of the country, as well as the Canary Islands, where they are primarily used for tourist rides. Our retrospective pathological study includes eight cases (necropsies n = 7 and biopsy n = 1) submitted by the same sanctuary to the Animal Pathology and Veterinary Forensic Unit of the VISAVET Centre (2018 - 2021). Histological and microbiological studies revealed various agents that are a cause of disease in humans: tuberculosis (n=1; 14.29 %), balantidiosis (n=3; 42.86%) and echinococcosis (n=2; 28.57 %), as well as bacterial infections with zoonotic potential (n=2; 28.57 %). Additional histopathological observations were micronodular cirrhosis, interstitial pneumonia, or chronic renal disease. To date, most of the findings had not been reported in dromedary camels in Spain. Our results highlight the contribution of pathological studies, especially necropsies, both to monitor and improve animal health and welfare in camel populations, and even to detect relevant diseases that pose a threat to Public Health.

	Servicio de Patología y Veterinaria Forense (SAP). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM).
	Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense (UCM).
	Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense (UCM).