A Study on the Prevalence of Mange Among Arabian Camels in Najaf Province / Iraq

Abstract

The study was carried out at Najaf abattoir and some nomadic areas, for a period of five months , between January and May 2000 . A tota1 of (434) camels were examined clinically, and skin scrapings collected from suspected animals for laboratory investigation. Sarcoptic mange was diagnosed in (114) camels with an infestation rate of (25, 9%).The highest prevalence rate was recorded in January (38%), and the lowest was in May (14.8%). The main clinical findings observed included easlessness, intensive itching, and the affected areas of the skin became hairless, thickened, corrugated and grey in color. Regarding affected regions of the body the highest incidence of mange lesions were recorded on the neck (60.5%) and the lowest incidence were on the tail (5.2%).There were no lesions observed on the hump. Sex of animals showed no effect on the prevalence as well as the severity of the disease. Regarding age, the higher prevalence rate of the disease occurred in animals under 4 years of age.