High Sulphur Content Of Water From Deep Bore Wells As A Possible Cause Of Polioencephalitis In A Camel

A case of a neurological disease affecting adult camels (locally called Altair) was described. A female camel was presented with typical clinical signs: weakness of legs, continuous head shaking especially when the animal was stressed and wry neck. There were no respiratory, cardiovascular or digestive abnormalities. The she-camel ate and drank normally. Complete blood count results and liver and kidney functions were normal. No visible macroscopic lesions were seen in the carcass except for meningeal congestion. Microscopic examination of the brain showed malacic lesions and the meninges were congested and oedematous. The concentration of sulphur in the drinking water was 13.56 ±5.8 g/L which is considered very high for the nutrition of farm animals. The concentration of copper, molybdenum and selenium in water and feed were normal.