Epidemiology of haemoprotozoa in horses and camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Northern governorates of Oman

Scattered reports from Oman have revealed blood parasites such as Theileria spp., Trypanosoma spp. and Babesia spp. in other animal species rather than horses and camels. Close association of blood parasite carrier animals, like cattle, sheep and goats with horses and camels enhance disease transmission between them. Due to the expanding horse and camel industries in the country, it seems logical that horses and camels would be affected by these parasites as they are highly susceptible to some of them. The impact of such pathogens in these susceptible hosts can result in considerable body tissues damage that can lead to high mortality and economic losses. Early detection of pathogens is the key factor for identification of blood parasites and control regime. Thus, to increase sensitivity of diagnostic techniques of blood parasites as they revealed undulated parasitaemia, two or more detection methods are adopted. These techniques include; Giemsa-stained blood smear, haematocrit centrifugation technique, polymerase chain reaction and serological methods for epidemiological surveys. Antibody detection of T. evansi is based on RoTat 1.2 gene, and recently some strain of T. evansi is lacking this gene, which increase the false negative results. In order to identify and control such parasites in these highly susceptible animals, molecular characterization of the isolated parasites in the country is essential. In addition, assessment of the risk factors that may be associated with disease occurrences and spreading is highly needed. This research is necessitating as there is lack of knowledge about the current situation of the blood parasites in horses and camels in this country. Our current research aims to investigate the prevalence of blood parasites using different diagnostic techniques, determine the molecular origin of these parasites and risk factors associated with their occurrence in horses and camels in the Northern part of the country to enhance the control regime of these parasites.