Occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in Bactrian camel in Iran

A study on naturally acquired gastrointestinal helminthic parasites in Bactrian camel was carried out in Ardabil province, northwest of Iran, which is the main site of this species in Iran. This species has importance in Iran due to its low population. A total of 25 faecal samples (25% of population) were examined by Clayton Lane method to determine the egg count of different types of helminths in different age groups. Helminth eggs were found in 13 (52%) of the faecal samples (0-191 eggs/gm, 51.96±13.82). Bactrian camels were infected with Nematodirus sp. (32%), Trichuris sp. (32%), Marshallagia sp. (28%), Moniezia sp. (28%) and Strongyloides sp. (16%). The age of the infected Bactrian camels was significantly higher than the non-infected camels (p<0.01) and there was a significant correlation between age and the intensity of infection (r=0.583, p=0.002). No significant difference in the ratio of the affected camels and in the intensity of infection was found between the two sexes. The results of the current study showed that helminthic infection is a serious problem in this animal in Iran.