Evaluation of Haematological Changes in Camels with Trypanosomiasis in Borno State

Camel trypanosomiasis, caused primarily by Trypanosoma evansi and locally termed surra, is an important disease limiting the productivity and welfare of camels in the semi-arid North East of Nigeria, including Borno State. The condition causes progressive anaemia, emaciation, neurological signs, and death in untreated animals. Haematological characterisation of trypanosomosis in Nigerian camels provides clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic information that can guide treatment decisions. This study compared haematological indices in 30 trypanosoma-positive and 30 apparently healthy dromedary camels sampled at markets and pastoral settlements in Maiduguri and Dikwa, Borno State. Trypanosomiasis was confirmed by wet blood film examination, haematocrit centrifugation technique, and polymerase chain reaction. Full blood count parameters including PCV, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, total white blood cell count, and differential leucocyte count were measured in all animals using an automated haematology analyser. Trypanosoma-positive camels showed significantly lower PCV (mean 21.4 percent vs 36.8 percent), haemoglobin, and red blood cell count compared with controls. Monocytosis and lymphopenia were the most consistent leucocyte abnormalities in infected animals. Platelet counts were significantly reduced in positive cases, consistent with thrombocytopenia reported in other species with trypanosomosis. PCV correlated inversely with parasitaemia intensity. These haematological parameters provide valuable indicators for monitoring disease severity and treatment response in camels in Borno State, where camel husbandry is economically and culturally significant. Keywords: camel, trypanosomiasis, haematology, Borno State, surra.