Review on Epidemiology of Camel and Human Brucellosis in East Africa, Igad Member Countries

Abstract

Camel production is expanding in pastoral areas of the Eat African region {IGAD member countries} as a result of recurrent drought and its less susceptibility to drought relative to other livestock. It is an important domestic animal and the source of milk during dry season. Camel brucellosis is prevalent in the region. From review high prevalence of human brucellosis is observed with prevalence ranging between 1 to 46.5%, 2.15 to 60%, 5.8 to 17% and 2.15 to 7.5% by ELISA, RBPT, SAT and CFT respectively; whereas 3.1 to 40.5%, 2 to 39.9% and 1.6 to 7.6% by ELISA, RBPT and CFT in camels respectively. It is transmissible from animal to humans, causing acute febrile illness, undulant fever (inter¬mittent or remittent fever) which may persist for weeks or months accompanied by malaise, anorexia and prostration. Brucella species can enter mammalian hosts through skin abrasions or cuts, the conjunctiva, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and through reproductive tracts. It has economic importance and public health hazard particularly to pastoralist community because of a widespread traditional habit of consumption of raw animal products and close contact with livestock including camels. Since brucellosis has no effective treatment both in human and livestock; vaccination, hygiene and awareness creation are the best control and prevention strategies in the region. Therefore, the objective of the seminar paper was to review-the epidemiology of brucellosis in camel and human in East Africa with emphasis on Ethiopia.