Camel Healthcare in the Region: From Tradition to Modern Practice
Camels have long held a special place in the region’s culture, economy, and heritage. Once the backbone of transport and trade, today they remain vital for livestock production, cultural events, and racing. With evolving challenges in animal health, camel care across the Arabian Peninsula is transitioning from traditional practices to advanced veterinary solutions. This article explores the journey of camel healthcare in the region, the diseases affecting them, and how modern veterinary services — including AMVET’s role — are helping improve camel welfare.
Common Camel Diseases
Camels in the region are vulnerable to several health threats, especially in hot and arid climates. Some of the most frequent diseases include:
Trypanosomiasis (Surra): A serious parasitic disease transmitted by biting flies, often causing fever, weakness, and death if untreated.
Camel Pox: A viral skin disease leading to scabs and fever; it is highly contagious and can cause herd-wide outbreaks.
Mastitis: Especially common in dairy camels, affecting milk production and overall health.
Internal parasites: Including liver flukes and gastrointestinal worms, which affect digestion, growth, and weight gain.
Regular deworming, vaccination, and monitoring are critical for prevention and control.
Traditional Practices vs. Modern Veterinary Care
Historically, many camel owners relied on herbal remedies, tribal knowledge, and isolation methods to manage illness. While these approaches were effective to a degree, they lack scientific accuracy and often delay proper treatment.
Modern veterinary care in the region now includes:
Blood diagnostics and disease screening
Vaccination programs
Ultrasonography and pregnancy checks
Nutritional consultation
Herd health monitoring and mobile veterinary units
These advancements have significantly reduced camel mortality and improved performance, especially in racing and breeding programs.
AMVET’s Contribution to Camel Health in the Region
AMVET plays a growing role in the livestock health sector across the Middle East. Our camel-focused services and products aim to:
- Provide high-quality, camel-specific medications and supplements
- Train field veterinarians on best practices in camel care
- Support regional vaccination drives and awareness campaigns
- Supply diagnostic equipment suited for remote and desert areas
- Collaborate with racing stables and breeders to improve performance and health outcomes
Through these efforts, we are committed to raising the standards of camel healthcare across the Arabian region and beyond.
The Road Ahead
With rising global attention on sustainable livestock and animal welfare, the future of camel healthcare in the Middle East is promising. Integration of AI-driven diagnostics, better genetic screening, and climate-resilient health strategies will be key areas of focus. As awareness grows among owners and breeders, we expect to see increased demand for high-quality veterinary services — a challenge AMVET is ready to meet.
Final Thoughts
Camels are not just animals in this region — they are symbols of identity, pride, and progress. Ensuring their health is not only a veterinary goal but a cultural responsibility. At AMVET, we stand ready to support camel owners, veterinarians, and communities with the tools and knowledge they need to protect and elevate this noble animal.
