Effect of seasonal and climatic factors on mange infestation in dromedary camel

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2024 in a herd comprising 281 to 387 dromedary camels with the aim of identifying vulnerable environmental conditions influencing mange infestation. Environmental data were recorded for 120 fortnight intervals, and the temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. The mange morbidity was expressed as effective average morbidity rate (EAMR). The study found a significantly positive correlation between rainfall and EAMR (r=0.35, p≤0.01), with the highest morbidity observed during both fortnights of July, the first fortnight of August, and the second fortnight of September, indicating these periods as critical for mange vulnerability. Other environmental factors, including maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), relative humidity (RH), and THI, showed non-significant correlations with EAMR, suggesting they are not statistically significant predictors of mange infestations in camel. The findings demonstrate the significant impact of environmentalfactors, identifying rainfall as a key predictor of the EAMR for mange infestation. This study highlights the necessity for enhanced awareness among camel herders through targeted animal health extension services to plan preventive and control measures for mange infestation in camel.