Epidemiological aspects of salinomycin toxicity in camels (Camelus dromedarius) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

In Saudi Arabia, camels are raised on open system in variable size of herds; however they are supplemented with additional ration that includes barely, bran and Alfa- Alfa hay. Nonetheless, camel-owners are extremely cautious on the type and quality of feed supplements. Therefore, large scale of feed toxicity has not been experienced. The goal of this study was to describe epidemiological features of a neuromuscular illness that involved camel herds in the Southern region of the country during the summer of 2007. Twenty one camel herds were examined via a written survey and additional data were obtained from records at the local veterinary authority. Questions were focused on management, feeding and health aspects of camels. The morbidity rate ranged between 14 and 100%, while the mortality ranged between 33.3 and 85.6% and the case fatality was nearly 76.5%. On certain occasions camels were severely affected and clinical signs included recurrent regurgitation, incoordination, and ataxia, edema of the perineum region, pigmented urine and death within 1-2 days of exposure. On the other hand more mild disease that is characterized by signs of rear legs ataxia recumbancy was observed. The likely source of this toxicity, as reported by owners, was bran feeding. In conclusion, a sever epidemic of neuromuscular disease involved camels in the southern region of Saudi Arabia characterized by high morbidity and relatively high mortality. The source of this condition was feed toxicity and treatment was not rewarding.

Summary in Arabic.

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