Abstract

Donkeys (Ass-Equus-assinus) and camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Uganda are mainly owned by low income earners and peasant farmers, mainly in the semi-arid North-eastern Uganda in Karamoja and Sebei sub-regions. The animals however, seem to receive little or relatively no veterinary care. This study was carried out in Moroto and Amudat districts, Karamoja sub-region, Uganda in March 2016. Faecal samples of 110 randomly selected camels and donkeys of all age and sex were collected directly from their rectum. The faecal samples were examined by flotation method, sedimentation technique, McMaster egg counting technique and faecal culture to identify and determine the burden of parasites in different age groups. Lungworms ovaculture revealed Dictyocaulus cameli (29.3%) of camels and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (15.4%) of donkeys. Cestode eggs detection revealed family Anoplocephalidae which includes seven species of cestodes identifiable as eggs in faeces or as adults in the gastro-intestinal tract of camels (18.3%) and donkeys (15.4%). Coccidia species included Eimeria cameli (11%) and Eimeria Leuckarti (3.85%) in camels and donkeys, respectively. Trematodes were detected in 5 camels as Fasciola gigantica. Overall, EPG count was observed for strongyles at 58.5% in camels and 42.3% in donkeys. The results of this study will provide insights into the health of donkeys and camels in Uganda and provide a way forward to their veterinary care and management for improved production and productivity.

Key words: Gastrointestinal parasites, donkey, camels, Karamoja, Uganda.