Epidemiology of rabies in camels

The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of rabies in camels by collecting and analyzing data on its occurrence and applying laboratory confirmation.

During 2010-2022, data on the occurrence of rabies in camels, reported outbreaks, the number affected, seasonal occurrence, and outbreak management were collected and statistically analyzed. Data was collected from the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries in Sudan.

During the study period, 11 outbreaks resulted in 24 clinically suspected cases of rabies in camels. The highest percentage (29.2%) was in 2021. Within localities, the highest occurrence rate (58.3%) was observed in Darfur State in Western Sudan. The majority of rabies outbreaks (62.5%) were reported during July-September. The logistic regression model revealed a 25.1% annual decline in rabies infection risk, with a notable increase in 2021, while increases of 137.4% linked to seasonal effects and 69% linked to geographical location were observed. Most of the affected camels (71%) died, the rest were destroyed, and vaccination covered the vast majority of in-contact animals.

Rabies in camels was found to occur across different localities, with the highest figures in 2021 and peaks during July-September.