PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HAEMONCHUS LONGISTIPES INFECTION IN SLAUGHTERED DROMEDARY CAMELS AT TAMBOUL SLAUGHTERHOUSE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Haemonchosis caused by Haemonchus longistipes is a major parasitic disease of dromedary camels in arid and semi-arid regions, leading to anemia, weight loss and reduced productivity. Objective: To determine the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of adult H. longistipes infection in camels slaughtered at Tamboul Slaughterhouse, Gezira State, Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021. A total of 180 camel abomasa were examined during routine meat inspection using standard parasitological techniques. Data on sex, age, breed and body condition was recorded. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The overall prevalence was 7.0% (13/180) with a mean worm burden of 28 ± 12.4 worms per infected abomasum. Prevalence was significantly higher in males (8.5%, P=0.041), camels >10 years (15.0%, P=0.032), Darfur breed (10.0%, P=0.048), and camels with poor body condition (10.8%, P=0.029). Heavy infections >100 worms constituted 15.4% of positive cases. Conclusion: Adult H. longistipes infection is endemic in camels at Tamboul. Sex, age, breed and body condition are significant risk factors. Risk-based control strategies including strategic deworming and improved nutrition are recommended.