Background While dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were traditionally believed to be resistant to most livestock diseases, research has demonstrated that they are susceptible to a large number of infectious agents. Based on the clinical appearance of typical lesions, camel contagious ecthyma, caused by a Parapoxvirus, is thought to be one of the most common viral diseases of dromedary camels in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 in Arero district of Borana Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia to investigate the epidemiological aspect of camel contagious ecthyma and molecularly identify the causative agent. A polymerase chain reaction based on B2L gene-specific primers of Parapoxvirus was used for confirmatory diagnosis of the disease from camels showing suspected clinical signs of Parapoxvirus infection. Results The majority (87%) of camel owners reported the occurrence of camel contagious ecthyma outbreaks in their herds in the past year (a year preceding the start of the study). The overall morbidity and mortality rates attributed to camel contagious ecthyma were 20% (95% CI 11–36%) and 6.3% (95% CI 5.2–7.6%), respectively. Camel calves had higher odds of becoming affected by the disease than adults [OR = 3.44 (95% CI 2.29–4.09)] and the difference was statistically significant. The disease has a marked seasonality with most of the cases occurring during the rainy season. Acacia trees significantly contribute to virus dissemination by damaging the lips of browsing camels. Confirmatory diagnosis of the suspected cases using conventional polymerase chain reaction generated the expected amplification product of 1200 bp for one of the samples. Conclusions This study confirms the presence and importance of camel contagious ecthyma in Ethiopia and establishes the basis for further research.

Even though camels (Camelus dromedarius) were traditionally believed to be resistant to most livestock diseases, research has demonstrated that they are susceptible to a large number of infectious agents. Based on the clinical appearance of typical lesions, camel contagious ecthyma (CCE), caused by a Parapoxvirus (PPV), is thought to be one of the most common viral diseases of camels in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 in the Arero district of Borena Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia to investigate the epidemiological aspect of CCE and molecularly identify the causative agent. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on B2L gene-specific primers of PPV was used for the confirmatory diagnosis of the CCE virus from the skin lesion of camels showing suspected clinical signs of CCE infection. Eighty-seven percent (87.0%) of camel owners reported the occurrence of CCE outbreaks in their herds in the past year (a year preceding the start of the study). The overall morbidity and mortality rates attributed to CCE were 20% (95% CI: 11– 36%) and 6.3% (95 % CI: 5.2 –7.6%), respectively. Younger camels had higher odds of becoming affected by CCE than adults [OR=3.44 (95 % CI: 2.29 –4.09)] and the difference was statistically significant. Confirmatory diagnosis of the suspected cases using conventional PCR generated the expected amplification product size of 1200bp for one of the samples. Therefore, the study confirms the presence and importance of CCE in Ethiopia and establishes the basis for further investigation.

Background: While camels (dromedaries) were traditionally believed to be resistant to mostlivestock diseases, research has demonstrated that they are susceptible to a large number ofinfectious agents. Based on the clinical appearance of typical lesions, Camel contagiousecthyma (CCE), caused by a Orf virus, is thought to be one of the most common viraldiseases of camelids in Ethiopia. However, the epidemiology of the disease has not beenformally described and the causative agent has never been molecularly confirmed.Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 inArero district of Borena Zone, to assess morbidity and mortality rates of the of diseaseconsistent with CCE, isolate and molecularly identify the causative agents and to find out thepotential risk factors. Molecular technique, namely, PCR based on B2L gene-specific primers ofORFV was used for the confirmatory diagnosis of CCE virus from the skin lesions.Results: Majority (86.8%) of the respondents indicated occurrence of CCE outbreaks in theirherds in the past one year (a year preceding the start of the study). The overall morbidity andmortality rates attributed to CCE was 43.6% (95 % CI: 41.2%–46%) and 6.3% (95 % CI: 5.2–7.6%) respectively. Confirmatory diagnosis of the suspected Orf virus isolates usingconventional PCR techniques generated the expected amplification product of 1200bp for oneof the samples. No product was amplified from the DNA samples of the negative control.This study showed that young camels (calves) had higher odds of becoming affected by CCEthan adults [OR=3.44 (95 % CI: 2.29 –4.09); (p<0.05)]. The disease had marked seasonalitywith most of the cases occurring during rainy season. Acacia trees significantly contribute tovirus dissemination through damaging the lips of browsing camels.Conclusions: This study confirms the presence and importance of CCE in Ethiopia andestablishes the basis for further research.