A Simple Classification of Different Types of Trypanosomiasis Occurring in Four Camel Herds in Selected Areas of Kenya

Camels from herds in four different areas of Kenya were sampled at regular intervals over periods of 9-15 months and examined for the presence of trypanosomiasis. Five hundred and eight camels divided into three age categories were studied. Trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi, T. brucei and T. congolense was shown to be present in varying degrees in all the herds. Camels were divided into 5 types according to mortality, the presence or absence of circulating trypanosomes and antibody, and the presence or absence of emaciation and anaemia. Herd profiles were constructed according to the percentage of the different types over the whole of their respective study periods. Results indicated that camels in some herds show a calf-hood resistance to trypanosomiasis in endemic areas and that the disease may be present in a relatively stable situation. Some of the implications of these results are discussed.