Abstract
Ninety-six of 237 dromedary camels manifested fever, anorexia, diarrhoea, emaciation, pale mucous membranes, lacrimation, abortion and/or infertility. Parasitological examinations of blood and faecal samples were performed in all camels (n=237) using Giemsa-stained blood smears and standard flotation sedimentation techniques, respectively. Seventy-two of the clinically affected camels were diagnosed anaplasmosis with a 40.50% overall morbidity. The haematological analysis revealed significant reduction (P<0.01) in total RBC count, HGB concentration, HCT and, MCV in the affected camels. Additionally, significant increases (P<0.01) in total WBC count, lymphocytes %, MCHC and platelets were observed. The biochemical analysis exposed significant reduction (P<0.001) in the iron level. Significant increases (P<0.01) in GGT, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, BUN and LDH blood levels were detected. The applied control measures succeeded in controlling anaplasmosis in affected herds. In conclusion, the successful in the control of camel anaplasmosis and its first diagnosis was achieved in Saudi Arabia dromedary camel.