Perceptions and problems of disease in the one-humped camel in southern Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries : historical review

Abstract

The one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) was first introduced to German South West Africa (Namibia) for military purposes in 1889. Introductions to the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) in 1897 and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1903 were initially with a view to replacing oxen that died of rinderpest. Disease risks attendant on these introductions were recognised and to some extent guarded against. There were, however, relatively few problems. One camel was diagnosed as having foot-and-mouth disease. Mange in camels from India caused some concern as did trypanosomosis from Sudan. Trypanosomosis was introduced into both the Cape of Good Hope and Transvaal. Antibodies to some common livestock disease were found in later years

Influence of Climate on Conflicts and Migrations in Southern Africa in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

“…It was unknown in the region and responses to arrest its deadly effects were difficult to coordinate. Rinderpest, a deadly viral cattle disease, was first recorded in East Africa in 1889 [60]. The absence of early warning systems in the continent at the time made it possible for the disease to spread throughout the continent quietly but rapidly.…”

Review on Epidemiology of Camel Mange Mites

“…Sarcoptic mange in one humped-camels (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Sarcoptes scabieivarcameli is considered to be one of the most and economically important zoonotic and epizootic diseases that can spread among animals via direct physical contact with infested animal and indirectly through fomites (ropes, blankets and saddlery) especially in tropical and subtropical areas [4][5][6][7].Occurrence of the disease is mostly associated with poor management and a mingling of diseased camels with healthy one's [8,9]. Sarcoptic mange is one of the most prevalent type of camel mange.…”

The one-humped camel in Southern Africa: Unusual and new records for seven countries in the Southern African Development Community

“…A total of 34 camels having sailed from Karachi (now in Pakistan) to Beira in Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) and from there by train -in coal trucks covered with tarpaulinarrived in Salisbury (Harare) in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe ) on 9 May, 1903 (Flint, 1903;Wilson, 2007). These last were subsequently used for general transport and by the police and postal services and it was from these that the only record of foot and mouth disease in camels arises (Anon, 1904;Wilson, 2008)). There were no direct imports to British Bechuanaland (Botswana) which was administered by the Cape of Good Hope Government in Cape Town but camels were used there as part of the E-mail: trevorbart@aol.com Cape Postal Services and for police work (Wilson, 2013).…”