In August-September 2000, an overwhelming outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) struck the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia and adjoining Yemeni territories. During the outbreak, which was the first ever to be recorded outside Africa, around 40,000 animals, mostly sheep and goats, died or aborted and 883 cases, with 124 deaths, were recorded among humans in Saudi Arabia. An additional 1328 human cases, with 166 deaths, were concurrently recorded in northwestern Yemen. Vector studies in Saudi Arabia established Aedes vexans arabiensis and Culex (culex) triteniorynchus as the biological vectors of RVF virus in the region. Both of these species and several others, which could be potential vectors of the virus, occur throughout the Kingdom. Rigorous control measures were implemented, which succeeded in curtailing the infection and preventing its spread to other parts of the country. However, the virus persisted in a cryptic form in the original area of the epizootic, resulting in intermittent diagnosis of few cases throughout the past 10 years. To date, however, no evidence was found of virus activity outside that area. This review provides, from a veterinary perspective, a brief account of the events surrounding the epizootic and its present status in Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need for vigilance, preparedness, and regular monitoring of the disease by serosurveillance methods.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in camels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the factors influencing its incidence. A total of 740 quarter milk samples were collected from 47 camel herds belonging to Majahim, Maghatir, Shu'l, and Sufer breeds. California mastitis test (CMT) was used as a screening test for subclinical mastitis. Samples giving negative or trace CMT scores (0) were assigned to healthy quarters, while those giving positive scores of 1+ to 3+ were assigned to subclinically affected quarters. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of breed, parity, and stage of lactation with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. Milk fat, protein, lactose, solid nonfat percentages and Na, Ca, and K concentrations were compared in CMT-positive versus healthy quarters. One third (33%) of tested quarters had subclinical mastitis based on CMT. The estimated probability of subclinical mastitis with the combined effects of breed, parity, and stage of lactation ranged from 15.8% to 54.6%. The risk of subclinical mastitis increased significantly with parity and with the early stage of lactation. The Shu'l breed had significantly higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis than other breeds. Significant decreases in protein, lactose, and solid nonfat, Ca and K concentrations and increase in Na concentrations were associated with subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, subclinical mastitis is prevalent in Saudi camels, and its incidence is influenced by breed, parity, and stage of lactation.

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