Abstract Dromedary camels Camelus dromedarius Linnaeus (Artiodactyla, Camelidae) are vital to the livelihoods of nomadic and pastoralist communities in the Sahara Desert. However, they are susceptible to ectoparasites, which can significantly impact their health and productivity, as well as their potential role in transmitting zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, species composition and infestation levels of ectoparasites in dromedaries from different camel herds (CH) across northern Algeria's Sahara Desert. Additionally, we assessed the effects of CH and camel age and sex on parasite loads and infestation patterns regarding the host's affected body region. A total of 68 camels out of 135, randomly selected from four herds CH1–CH4, were surveyed for ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were counted, collected and identified in the laboratory. Pearson correlation tests were employed to analyse the relationship between parasite indices. Similarity analysis was conducted to compare ectoparasite species composition among the sampled CH. The overall infestation level of ectoparasites across the CH was 61.76% with 511 ectoparasite individuals identified. Significant regional variation in tick prevalence was observed: CH1 (88.24%), CH2 (64.71%), CH3 (58.82%) and CH4 (35.29%) ( p < 0.001). The most prevalent ectoparasites were ticks, with four species identified: Hyalomma dromedarii Koch (Ixodida, Ixodidae) (45.21%), Hyalomma marginatum marginatum Koch (Ixodida, Ixodidae) (18%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Latreille (Ixodida, Ixodidae) (7.63%) and Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus (Ixodida, Ixodidae) (4.9%). In addition, one mite species Sarcoptes scabiei Linnaeus (Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae), one flea species Ctenocephalides arabicus Jordan (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and one fly species Wohlfahrtia magnifica Schiner (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) were identified. Similarity analysis showed a 70% overlap in ectoparasite species composition between herds, suggesting common environmental and management‐related risk factors. Overall, the abdomen exhibited the highest percentage of ectoparasites at 22.7%, followed by the neck and sternum (17.8%), and the anal and tail area (17.4%). Adults accounted for 86.1% of infestations, with notable contributions from the abdomen (17.0%) and neck/sternum (15.9%), while young camels made up only 13.9%. The high ectoparasite infestation level, particularly ticks, underscores the need for a comprehensive control plan, especially in herds managed under extensive or nomadic systems. Future research should focus on identifying risk factors and exploring ectoparasite control strategies to reduce the burden on camel health and prevent potential zoonotic disease transmission in the region.
Attir et al. (Wed,) studied this question.