EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF TRICHURIS SPP. INFECTION IN SLAUGHTERED CAMELS AT TAMBOUL ABATTOIR, GEZIRA STATE, SUDAN: A COPROLOGICAL SURVEY USING FLOTATION AND SEDIMENTATION TECHNIQUES

Background: Trichuris spp. is whipworms that inhabit the caecum and colon of camels and cause diarrhea, anemia and reduced productivity.  
Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Trichuris spp. infection in camels at Tamboul Abattoir in relation to age, sex, breed and body condition using flotation and sedimentation techniques.  
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2022. A total of 180 fresh rectal fecal samples were collected from slaughtered camels and examined by saturated salt flotation SG 1.20 and water sedimentation. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test.  
Results: Overall prevalence was 3.3% (6/180). Prevalence was significantly higher in camels <5 years 5.3% (5/95) P=0.018, females 4.1% (4/97) P=0.041, Kassala breed 5.0% (3/60) P=0.023 and poor body condition 5.6% (4/71) P=0.011. Sedimentation detected 100% of positives vs 83.3% by flotation.  
Conclusion: Trichuris infection is present at low prevalence in camels at Tamboul, with significant association to young age, female sex, Kassala breed and poor body condition. Strategic deworming and improved hygiene are recommended.