A review on camel brucellosis: a zoonosis sustained by ignorance and indifference

Abstract

In many developing countries of Asia and Africa, camels are one of the most important sources of income for the nomadic population. With increasing urbanization, camel milk and meat have gained a wider market and commercialization and consumption of camel products are on the rise. Camel brucellosis can be encountered in all camel rearing countries with exception of Australia. High animal and herd prevalences have been reported from numerous countries, which not only pose a continuous risk for human infection, but also increase the spread of infection through uncontrolled trade of clinically inconspicuous animals. This short review aims at providing an overview on diagnostic investigations, as well as the public health and economic impact of brucellosis in old world camels.

Keywords:

• Brucellosis
• Camel
• Milk
• Meat
• Public health

We are indebted to H. Steinfeld (FAO) for providing us with additional data on camel meat production. Dr. M. J. S. is thanked for cross-reading the manuscript.