Experts from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases have made a significant breakthrough in identifying one of the possible pathogens responsible for mysterious camel mortality in Ethiopia. This phenomenon has caused major economic losses and social challenges in the region for over two decades.
The discovery was announced at the 26th Conference of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Africa, held in Ethiopia. During the event, the ADAFSA team presented findings from their field investigations and laboratory analyses, conducted in response to a request from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture seeking scientific support to determine the cause of the disease outbreak.
In July 2024, a specialized technical team from the centre, in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Animal Health Institute (AHI), conducted field visits to Borana zone in southwest Ethiopia. Clinical samples collected from infected camels were analyzed, leading to the identification of Wesselsbron virus (WSLV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, in the affected animals. This marks the first confirmation of the virus in camels and has gained international recognition, receiving praise from representatives of affected countries such as Kenya and Somalia, as well as global animal health organizations.
This achievement reinforces the role of ADAFSA and the UAE in supporting global animal health initiatives, particularly in the camel sector. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a center of excellence in veterinary research, contributing to biosecurity and food security worldwide.
Given these initial findings, experts have recommended further research into the epidemiology of the Wesselsbron virus in camels. Additionally, expanding the investigation to include other East African countries could help corroborate the findings and provide deeper insights into the disease’s spread. Researchers have also suggested the development of serosurveys in affected areas and conducting field trials to assess the virus’s impact on camels. These efforts may contribute to the potential development of an effective vaccine to limit the spread of the virus.
Coordination is currently underway with Ethiopian health authorities to conduct human sample analyses to explore any zoonotic potential of the virus. This aligns with a broader One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health to ensure sustainable disease control measures.
To further strengthen international scientific cooperation, ADAFSA experts visited AHI and assisted in establishing diagnostic tests for detecting the Wesselsbron virus. Their efforts confirmed the presence of the virus in archived clinical samples, providing additional validation for the initial findings.
Additionally, ADAFSA and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture plan to sign an agreement focused on strengthening research capabilities and disease surveillance. This partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, joint veterinary training programs, and collaborative research on camel diseases. The initiative aims to improve livestock health, benefiting pastoral communities that rely on camels for their livelihoods.
The ongoing collaboration underscores a commitment to global animal health efforts and highlights the importance of advancing scientific research. By expanding cooperation regionally and internationally, experts aim to enhance disease prevention, adopt innovative diagnostic tools, and support sustainable livestock management.
Identifying Wesselsbron virus as a potential cause of camel deaths in Ethiopia represents a major step forward in understanding and addressing the disease. This progress showcases the expertise of veterinary researchers and their dedication to safeguarding livestock populations through scientific advancements and international collaboration.
