Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection (Caseous Lymphadenitis) in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Jordan

Abstract

Problem statement: This study was conducted to describe and report for the first time outbreaks of natural C.pseudotuberculosis infection in adult camel herds (Camelus dromedarius) in Jordan. An infectious disease syndrome was reported in three camel herds (Camelus dromedarius) intensively raised at south province in Jordan. Approach: The herds included over 160 adult camels out of which about 8% were affected with multiple muscle and subcutaneous abscesses at various sites of the body. The camels were also heavily infested with ticks. Results: The infected camels did not respond favorably to several broad spectrum antibiotics. Post-mortem examination of 5 carcasses revealed emaciation and presence of external and internal multiple abscesses particularly in the lungs. The abscesses were encapsulated by fibrous tissue and contained creamy yellowish white pus. The lymph nodes were slightly congested and swollen. Conclusion: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis type I strain or biovar ovis (the known cause of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep) was isolated from pus, lymph nodes, ticks, milk, blood and liver samples. The clinical symptoms, nature and distribution of lesions of caseous lymphadenitis in camels are not as typical as in sheep. Recommendations for pseudotuberculosis control were given.