Surra in Camel Calves in Laikipia District of Kenya

Camel trypanosomosis (Surra) is one of the most important diseases affecting camel calves. It presents itself as an acute form and is usually fatal if treatment is not carried out. A study was initiated at Mogwooni ranch in Laikipia district of Kenya to survey the prevalence of trypanosomosis in camel calves of mixed breeds, and to evaluate the microhaematocrit centrifugation technique (MHCT), monoclonal antibody based card latex agglutination test (Suratex®), wet smear and mouse inoculation (MI) in the diagnosis of the disease in camels. The tests were assessed for a period of 16 months. The mean Trypanosoma evansi prevalence ranged from 4.5% as determined by the wet smear, 11.1% by MHCT, 14.6% by MI, to 28.3% by Suratex®. Young calf death rate due to trypanosomosis was 12.3% while overall mortality rate was 15.0%. The cost of veterinary care (anti-helminthics, acaricides and trypanocides) was on average US$ 4.6 per calf per year. It is thus recommended that diagnosis accompanied by proper treatment be carried out routinely for the survival of camel calves in trypanosomosis endemic areas