Hydatidosis in camels in Kuwait

Abstract

Infection of indigenous camels, Camelus dromedarius, with hydatid cysts has been recorded for the first time in Kuwait. From February 1982 to April 1983, 293 camels slaughtered for human consumption were examined. The overall rate of infection was 39.6%: 18.5% in animals less than 6 years old, and between 40.1% and 45.2% in older animals. The infection rate in females (44.9%) was significantly higher than in males (24.7%). Females also showed higher susceptibility to infections in multiple organs (22.7%) than males (10.5%). The lung was the most predominant site infected (63.0%). Pulmonary cysts showed a higher fertility rate than hepatic cysts (71.7% vs 29.2%) and were smaller and more numerous. The high infection rate recorded for this animal is probably related to recent shifts in animal maintenance from the traditional free-grazing to the corralling system.