Abstract

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in Camels using Catt/t. Evansi Technique in Lasbella, Noshki and Pishin Districts of Balochistan

Authors: Waseem Khan, Mian Abdul Hafeez, Muhammad Lateef, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Avais, Numan Rauf, Abdul Wajid, Muhammad Farooq, Matiullah Sherani, Najeeb Kakar, Umair Anjum, Ajmal Nisar Mengal, Niazullah Khan Ayub, Muhammad Nazim, Hafiz Muhammad Naeem and Naimat Ullah and Muhammad Mohsin

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2025.039

Abstract
Surra is a zoonotic illness caused by Trypanosoma evansi that affects various animal species worldwide. It can cause fatalities and significant financial losses for camels, thereby seriously affecting their productivity, health, and ability to work. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 393 blood samples were obtained from one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in three districts (Pishin, Noshki, and Lasbella) of the Balochistan province, Pakistan (240 Indigenous, 153 imported) to determine the seroprevalence of T. evansi. This was the first study to investigate T. evansi infection in the Balochistan province using the CATT/T. evansi kit method. The overall seroprevalence of T. evansi among the examined camel samples was reported to be 50.89%. The seroprevalence of T. evansi was found to be higher in animals with poor body condition, based on their health status. Furthermore, it was observed that the seroprevalence of T. evansi was much higher in females. Moreover, adults demonstrate a higher seroprevalence than younger camels. During the summer and spring, the likelihood of camels being infected with T. evansi was three to five times higher than those sampled in winter. The research conducted indicated that camels in the three districts of Balochistan had a high prevalence of T. evansi infection. To ensure efficient management actions, it is crucial to implement a rigorous monitoring program that focuses on risk assessment studies and vectors, as emphasized by this study.

Keywords: Balochistan, Camel, CATT/T. evansi, Seroprevalence, Surra, Trypanosoma evansi