Invited review: Camelids zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic infections or diseases can be transmitted naturally to humans with or without arthropod intermediates. Indeed, some of these diseases can even get transmitted from camels to humans. This review intends to focus on zoonotic diseases of camelids and measures their control. Since infected animals rarely appear sick, humans frequently become exposed to and develop severe illnesses from the bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and parasites of camelid origin. People with chronic illness, or immunodeficiency, and pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing disease or complications from a zoonotic disease and should avoid contact with these animals. Zoonotic diseases associated with camelids are divided into three groups: (i) significant diseases, (ii) diseases of which Camelids are potential pathogen carriers, and (iii) minor or non-significant diseases. Therefore, anyone working with or handling camelids should be aware of the potential zoonotic threat, and precautions must be taken to minimize their risk of becoming infected.