Effect of Seasonal Variations on Distribution of Parasites in Camels at Assiut Locality

Abstract

Throughout four successive seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn), one hundred and ninety five camels (Camelus dromedarius) from slaughtered houses in different regions at Assiut governorate were examined for protozoa parasites in blood and muscles. These parasites were Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma type 1. (n.sp.) Babesia sp, Theileria cameli in blood and Sarcosystis sp. in muscles. The prevalence of infection for the different parasites in both blood and muscles was also studied through the different seasons. Generally Sarcosystis sp. was represented the highest incidence of infection (55.38%) in the present study especially in spring (81.08%). The lowest incidence of infection was represented in Trypanosoma evansi (2.5%). At the same time the lowest incidence through different seasons was represented in Theileria cameli and Trypanosoma evansi (4.83%) in autumn.