Eimeria infection in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Yazd province, central Iran

This study was carried out during the winter of 2008 to the summer 2010 to determine the rate of infection of Eimeria spp. in dromedary camels in Yazd province, Iran at that period. A total of 305 faecal samples were taken per recta from live and slaughtered, apparently healthy camels 9 months to 23 years old. Using saturated zinc sulfate solution floatation technique, samples were prepared and investigated microscopically to detect Eimeria spp. oocysts. Results revealed that the overall frequency of infection in samples was 9.51%. Identified species were Eimeria cameli (47.5%), Eimeria dromedarii (42.5%) and Eimeria bactriani (10%). The rate of infection was higher in the winter season, and in camels aged 5 to 10 years old. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between infection rate and season, but no effect by age or sex on eimeriosis was found. Since most of the positive cases in our study were adult, our findings suggest that older camels may play an important role in spreading infection as asymptomatic oocyst shedders.