A study on prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection in camels of Tabriz region

This investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence of Eimeria infections and the diversity of Eimeria species in camels of Tabriz region. The prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection and the intensity of faecal oocysts were determined in 164 camels using floatation and sporulation techniques. Faeces of 34 camels (20.73%) were infected with four Eimeria species including E. bactriani (52.42%), E. cameli (19.31%), E. pellerdyi (15.68%) and E. dromedarii (12.59%). Of infected animals, mixed infection was at most with four Eimeria species in 10.54% of camels. There was a significant difference between the prevalence of Eimeria infection in camels among different age groups (P<0.05). Infection rate was higher in female camels (54%) with less than one year-olds. There was significant differences in the prevalence between male and female camels in all age groups (P<0.05). It is concluded that Eimeria infection is a problem in camel husbandry in Tabriz region and further studies will reveal more information about economic effects of this parasite which it will be useful for establishing control programs.